Barry Westling

Hi David: Back-up plans can be very useful, two main reasons you cite. So students don't feel we're just filling time or wasting class, the back-up needs to be relevant, low tech, easy to implemment on short notice, interesting, and enjoyable by students. The more variety the better. Regards, Barry

Hi Cheryl: Great!. This level of frequency is bound to reinforce your relationship and build trust with your students. Our suggestions for advide to improve is best done when accompanied by caring, comforting words of support and encouragement. Regards, Barry

Hi Maria: Students expect a lot from their teachers (just as we do of them). Being ready to teach, making every moment productive, and giving appropriate feedback will help instill confidence and trust, which translates to better control. Regards, Barry

Hi Cheryl: Good process! I do pretty much the same thing - whenever I'm unsure where students are at, a pretest can help me decide where emphasis is needed. Regards, Barry

Hi Kris: Usually, I've found that any activity that requires the student to get up and move around is going to benefit them ain a greater way, either because of the physical movement, or by virture of activities typically involve multiple senses and thus, better retention. Regards, Barry

Hi Kris: For me, a good back up plan can serve multiple purposes. One is for when we're having one of those days when everything planned can;t happen for whatever reason. These should be low tech, easy to implemment on short notice, and relative to the course topic. Another is to have more varied activities than time will allow. The benefit is mixing up exercises to keep the class upbeat and lively by using diiferent learning strategies. Regards, Barry

Hi Kris: That's true. And it may that the impression the student gets is not even accurate - but their perception is their reality. For instance, for 9 out of 10 classes a teacher can be ready, prepared and organized, but just one time they're not, and students will notice that and may later comment teacher is "usually prepared" or "sometimes not prepared". Sheesh! Regards, Barry

Hi Kevin: Spending time with planning a grading system takes time, effort and thought to find the right balance. Sometimes, trial and error is needed to reach that goal. Grading rubrics are good to avoid subjectivity with creative activities, such as is often the case with projects. Regards, Barry

Hi Kevin: Redirecting students back on track allows the teacher to maintain control and have the off track students feel you are guiding the class (without a disciplinary feel to it). Regards, Barry

Hi Kevin: Both of these exercises add a lot to almost any class in a way unlike most any other activity. Very useful. Regards, Barry