Barry Westling

Hi Kevin: Good strategies! Whenever we can individualize instruction, each student will befit and their learning experience enhanced. That's what a student-centered (vs. curriculum-centered) instructional setting is all about. Regards, Barry

Hi Ken: Good idea, alythough this might be impractical or prohibited. If permitted however, taking the photos and using them to supplement a PPT or even just an expository on the results of the trip would be instrumental in reinforcing what occured and help review the material to facilitate retention of key information. Regards, Barry

Hi Kevin: Irreplace - a great adjective to describe the benefit of a well planned field trip. I think all classes ought to plan at least one field trip as a requirement in their curriculum. Time for planning and other factors may limit this sentiment - I understand. It's just that field trips can inspire and motivate unlike almost any other activity. Regards, Barry

Hi Kenan: Your class sounds like fun! Whenever we can actively engage students (keeping their attention, focused on taking in the information from the teacher), students will benefit. Your extemporaneous style lends itself to a creative, interactive, and fresh style that most students would probably enjoy. Regards, Barry

Hi Kenan: Super! I'm sure the dramatiuc effects of this exercise is remembered. Applying it to their lessons will also require some creative thought for it to be meaningful. Regards, Barry

Hi Denise: Well, super! I think anytime a teacher is spending face to face time with a student, that shows an element of quality, care, and interest in the students success. We sure don't want to embarrass students if they feel they're being picked out to be disciplined or corrected - so you're explanation at the get go may diminish some of that. But students can also still feel that sentiment even when it's private. That's why I follow the "say something nice, give correction, follow-up with something nice (encouragement, advice, appreciation, etc). Regards, Barry

Hi Denise: Math is a graet example to use for demonstrating the benefits of pretesting. But it can be used for most subjects. When the teacher wants to be effective and has a fixed aount of time, pretesting can help avoid taking time with uneeded topics. Regards, Barry

Hi Denise: Games, discussions, internet research, textbook exercises are among the most used and or popular backup activities, because they don't require too much preparation and can be made into an interesting activity when shared with the class. Also, students don't feel like it's just a time filler. Regards, Barry

Hi David: Good point! All teachers should have their student interests at heart. Towards that end, early sharing of status and grades allows the optimal opportunity to make any needed improvements. I like to always share a kind word of encouragement when I meet with students too. That helps show that I care (I do care, but this reinforces that). Regards, Barry

Hi David: Creativity seems to be the key word here. Keeping a room ful of students intereted, attentive and focused takes a creative instructor who has put some thoght into how to involve senses in their daily activities. Regards, Barry