Barry Westling

Hi Julie, Certainly, taking owenership will assist students while in scholl and, as you point out, when the begin working. Giving needed skills for a person's job, that bcould become a career is a tremendous opportunity and responsibility as well. Barry Westling

Hi Julie, Being able to reflect on past classes is really an underrated activity. I find much information from these notes, and also, they're kind of interesting to note my thinking at the time they were written. Barry Westling

Hi Julie, Yes - when student see we have put effort, time, and planning into the class they are likely to favorably regard the committment their teacher has contributed to their successfulness. Barry Westling

Hi Donald, Yes, I think it is totally innappropriate to conduct class without preceding it with the way, method, and components that will be included in the grading process. From that, we make periodic measurements (assessments) to determine to what degree these predetermined standards the student has achieved. This is where providing current information on status is invaluable. We can also share advice, answer questions, and show we care by offering encouragement and support. Students are likely to do better when they feel their teacher is working with them (not the enemy). Barry Westling

Hi Theresa , I don't always use pretests - only when I'm totally unfamiliar with what the student know or should know. Based on the results, it helps me plan, adjust, modify, or amplify information based on need. Barry Westling

Hi Donald, This is good. There is no reason why a class of student cannot be working on different activities during the same time period. Also. group discussion incourages participation and invites engegement within the group. Sharing information to the class allows some independence and I think students like to sort of "show off" what they know". Actually, this is an exercise in building critical thinking, and that's always a good thing. Barry Westling

Hi Theresa, Yes, personality can make or break a class. I feel there are common traits all teachers can demonstrate and regardless of their personality type or delivery style, will contribute to a successful class. These are courtesey, honesty, sincerity, approachable, and caring. When student sense these traits, every variety of personality will be at least tolerable and at best, exceptional, as students realize their teacher is is being genuine and has their learning as their cheif goal. Barry Westling

Hi Robert, I think a good guest speaker provides a forum of providing both information s/he wants to provide, along with an informal, open opportunity for questions the students want to ask. Often, they will feel free to inquire about A-Z, where they might not be willing to in class, or are not informed enough to ask pertinent questions. Sometimes I will prompt the quest speaker to "make sure you mention such and such", as that help reinforce ideas I've been trying to convey, and hearing it from an outsider somehow brings a degree of additional credibility. Barry Westling

Hi Timothy, Good. I like the part about self evaluation. If students are honest, they will objectively assess their performance. Preparing them for this in school, and having that carry over to the workplace is great experience for the real world and contributes to better workplace performance. Barry Westling

Hi Chara, I think it's great when a teacher sees something they consider valuable in their role as facilitator and is willing to try it out. This is how good teachers become excellent teachers, by willing to experiment and challenge their students (and themselves) to stretch for a better learning experience. Barry Westling