Barry Westling

Hi Donald: I think we all have that "something special" and it's uniquely manifested in our individual personalities. Regards, Barry

Hi Donald: Most everyone has done a survey. That results in a collection of opinions. Well, for me, a pretest is like a non-graded assessment, but the results are are collection of information about prior learning. That information can be used in a variety of ways, most usually for planning, but also for determining where and what to focus on. Regards, Barry

Hi Donald: Interesting. Whatever way class is conducted, for me it seems the learning the student achieves is the main focus. Grades and evaluation systems are merely a method to objectively record and document progress. But as long as learning results, the evaluation system can be unique, and varied. It's not about points, it's about knowledge obtained. Regards, Barry

Hi Kathryn: Good - hopefully the results you describe will occur. When we're prepared, we can teach better by knowing we have the materials, resources, and game plan mapped out, and the students will see that effort in getting ready for the class has occurred. Regards, Barry

Hi Michael: Many teachers and institutions now frown on allowing EC in any form. In vocational settings where job skills are taught and performance of tasks is the focus, artificially raising a grade or adding points does not really measure a students learning. But it's up to the teacher and/or school policy to decide. Regards, barry

Hi Dolye: Stduents need to have full confidence in their instructor. They may have a sense about the competence of a teacher, but confidence in their ability to teach students is stregthened by prepared calsses, avaialble resources, materials ready, teacher available before clkass starts to anser questions - tyhings like that to demonstare time and effort has gone into the daily lesson plan. Regards, Barry

Hi Doyle: Very true. Most of us were hired becasue we had the work experience and life experienjces that when channeled in a training program with a formal curriculum can benefit students by what we have been through. Getting students to trust our competence and sincere desire for them to do well is a significant goal. Regards, Barry

Hi Doyle: Many teachers use pretesting, but not all. I occasionally use the when I feel it will help me decide what I need to do to teach effectively to a group of students (usually thos I don't any prior experience with). Regards, Barry

Hi Doyle: Yes, knowing where there are weakneses is one part, As you say, another is what they neeed to work on. I think another part is making sure they have a realistic plan for how they're going to make those improvements, and that plan should be very specific. To assist in making that plan work, we can always show we care, support them, and give advice and encouraging appreciation for their effort. I think this helps build trust and respect. Regards, Barry

Hi Judith: When students arrive to see their instructor prepared, waiting for them, available to answer questions (or just chat about things that interest them), that creates a climate that sets the tone for "I'm here for you, and I'm serious about it!". That's the kind of class I'd want to be a part of. Regards, Barry