Barry Westling

Hi Tara: Good for you. Teachers that journalize do find that keeping a running record of their activities, notes, observations, improvements needed, or special successes can be a great tool. Sometime things come up in a class (like an "aha moment") and noting that in a journaul can be helpful later on. Regards, Barry

Hi Cristian: Each teacher and school will choose how it will address EC. For me, I feel it artificially raises grades, contributes little to learning, can be veiewed by students as unfair, and students can become expectatnt in subsequent classes to receiving EC. Over the years, I've had more bad experiences that good, so I just choose not to give it, period. Students know that at the beginning of the course so there are no misunderstandings, and it's also stated in the course syllabus. Regards, Barry

G: When students know thier status, yes, they are more lieley to want to improve or work harder (most, but not all). For me, doing this early on, frequently, and giving encouragement produces the best results. Regards, Barry

Hi Coleen: Thats great you have a natural (or learned) ability to tune into people and modify your affect based on their needs. That would be a great class to sit in on: "How to read people and Respond in order to Improve Learning". It would be interesting. Regards, Barry

Hi Fran: People in general rely so much on sight. That's OK, but suppose we could double the amount of information retention by developing our other senses? The senses aready exist, it's just a matter of developing a greater awareness of their significance and enhanced senstivity to the information they produce. Regards, Barry

Hi Coleen: Very cool. Teacher preference (and perhaps caution) often dtermines how much personal information they want to give out. That's really an individual choice. I believe in some settings, great care about personal information should be exercised. But nothing says we can't be the best resource a student has. By being approachable, honest and sincere, upbeat and positive, and willing to assist demonstrates we care. And every teacher really has the capability to do these relatively easy tasks. Really, it's just being kind, courteeous, and friendly - traits we all have. Regards, Barry

Hi Coleen: True, very true. Students look to us for many things, and by being prepared and organized, they pick up on these cues as important, and many emulate what they remember seeing their teachers do. Regards, Barry

Hi Makila: Good for you. Although tracking progress is an excellent use, there are many others. The key is for the teacher to find value in regualrly journalizing what they feel is important. Refelction and/or review at some future point is quite beneficial and sometimies motivational - but one has to experience it by doing in order to realize the value. Regards, Barry

Hi Eric: You're right about the confidence that exudes from someone who is self assured, knows where to emphasize their strenghts in order to produce meaningful class sessions, and and the competence to be able to inspire and motivate students from a foundation of strength. These are among the traits of exceptional teachers. Regards, Barry

Hi Michelle: Many schools and teachers agree - No Extra-Credit! for the reson you cite and many others. Regards, Barry