Barry Westling

Hi Judith: You've descibe why students like some classes betyter than others - it's the dynamic and approach the teacher displays and facilitator of a course. Can't really add much to something you already do that seems like your class would be a lot of fun and interewsting to sit in! Regards, Barry

Hi Judith: The key word in your post is "student needs". How do we meet them. That is the essence of so many teaching strategies, including the student survey (for opinion) or pretest (for prior knowledge. Regards, Barry

Hi Judith: Revision should be a topic in teacher education graduate school! To be effective, we have to be adaptive to situations, and willing to modify what we have planned to fit the circumstances. Some are able to be more extemporanaeous with this, but whether on the fly, or via a prepared back-up activity, we should be ready to make the class session work to it's fullest potential. Regards, Barry

Hi Judith: Yes - good plan. Also, I would add that while we are providing the facts and objective matter, there's no reason we can't be supporting, caring, and encouraging - it doesn't take any extra time but can really pay off in terms of trust and respect. Regards, Barry

Hi Judith: You touched on key point, that of enthusiasm. Every teacher has the capability of being enthusiastic about the course they're teaching. And if the teacher comes prepared with a lot of varied and interesting activities, it really doesn't matter too much how the teachers personality manefests itself, because the students are going to be taught well, in a comfortable setting, by a knoweledgeable teacher who is enterested in the students success, while presenting the course material in a dymamic and unique fashion. Anything else the teacher brings is like icing on the cake. Regards, Barry

Hi Donald: What a wonderful reflection! Whenever we can relate to the student at whatever level they are at and bring them higher closer to mastering the material, I think we are operating in a student-centered capacity (vs. curriculum-centered, or instructor-centered). Regards, Barry

Hi Cem: When I feel confident in my abilities, prepared, and excited about the class, I just teach better, and the students feel that also. It's a very natural thing - not artificial. I think any teacher can provide their own version of these attributes and make a class must more meaningful. Regards, Barry

Hi Sheila: Yes! I think students appreciate the time a teacher takes to share performance information, and also, should be be fone frequently. When spending time with students the opportnity to praise or show appreciation for good work is a perfect way to comlement the discussion. Regards, Barry

Hi Sheila: Good! I also think these can be a help in planning for future classes, especially if ta trend begins to appear that reflects students are always weak in...whatever. Regards, Barry

Hi Sheila: Good information. For me, my vision for the student is to be technically competent, skilled, carrying away all the earmakrks of a professional. If I can achieve that I feel I will have helped that student in the career (and life, too). Regards, Barry