Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Carroll: Great! There are many tools available for teachers to help them with continuous improvement, and the journal is among them. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Amanda: Great reply, as I think these are productive and relatively simple ways to reengage our students. Through participation, interest and attention is fostered. The caution in group assignments is to watch for socializing. Rotating among the groups will help monitor students staying on topic. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Amanda: Class attitudes vary, but surely, sometimes these undesirable attitudes develop from our own doing - not having everything prepared in such a way as to allow the class to flow smoothly. With preparation, topic after topic transitions methodically. All resources, materials, copies are present. This says "I'm ready, and you're a part of the action!" Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Being a student-centered instructor

Hi Timothy: Great comment! I think of myself as a tool. I don't have a single purpose, but to be that resource to students who can benefit from I have to offer. By being flexible, I can adjust to the circumstances and apply the needed attention or direction that gets through to the student(s). Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Carroll: Great! Reflection and reference on past classes is usually very helpful, as you've discovered. What works with one group may not not work with another. It's also interesting to store past journals (mine go back many years) to see how I looked at things back when, and also to reveal the growth as an instructional facilitator. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Eddie: Good comment - this shows what works or makes sense to you for documenting. The beauty of the journal is teachers can use it any way they choose, as long as they see value and benefit from it. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Carroll: Hopefully, there will be time to catch up. Sometimes students will be so far behind they just want to give up. That's where our caring, kind words of encouragement and offer of assistance and hope can be lifesaver, if it's done with honesty and sincerity. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Student learning outcomes

Hi Carroll: Yup - and usually the better, stronger are the students that pick up on that. Yet we have to try to reach all our students - even the weaker ones, in hopes of bringing their performance up to at least a minimal or acceptable level. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Hi Vickie: Discussions are a great way to change-up the energy of the learning environment. Somthing else that may be great is to ask questions to the whole group, then ask random students what they think. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Jeff: Good observations! When we speak of keeping a teaching journal, we are usually touching on ideas that would help "only the instructor". Here, you've pointed out another great use of these tools, that of keeping track of individual student progress, then showing that student (if need be) your thoughts on strategies they might employ to be more successful in class. Excellent! Regards, Barry