Barry Westling

Hi Fran: For, job readiness in all it's aspects is the big, overacrhing goal. We do that a little bit each day we teach. Regards, Barry

Hi Thomas: Great! It seems to me you have a good grasp of yourself and your way of contributing effectively in the classroom. Regards, Barry

Hi Thomas: I agree. Career readiness is paramount. All instructional roads should lead down this pathway. When we get student job ready, the bigger goal of securing work is much greater. Regards, Barry

Hi Thomas: Great variation on a theme! I do think there are time a pretest can used without angst. This is when I know little about what student know, and create a short "toe in water assessment" that has no point value. When students know they won't be graded, they will often feel more comfortable "taking a test". Regards, Barry

Hi Ayesha: Each teacher need to decide, when, how often, and information to put in their journal, if theyt do it at all. I reccomend this activity, but would only encourage it if the teacher sees benefit in it on their own. Regards, Barry

Hi Thomas: Students expect (and pay) for us to be prepared. Trying wing it is often very noticable by students, and teachers may suffer a degree of loss of respect because of it. Preparedness leads to better student outcomes. Regards, Barry

Hi Thomas: I think we all have an basic individual personality. If we are hont, sincere, caring, supportive, knowledgeable, and confident, our "teaching" personality will naturally emerge. Students appreciate authenticity. Regards, Barry

Hi Jeff: Great!. I think pretests also can be segmented into smaller bits. That is, one area of math can be pretested prior to it's delivery, and knowing where to place emphasis can end up saving a lot of time. Regards, Barry

Hi Thomas: Graet example (and one I can personnaly relate to). Sometimes in a jam session or extended freplay session at the keyboard, I make note of the unique and one of a kind licks that I will stumble on to. These will be forgotton moments unless I stop and take note. True, this breaks the flow at times, but I'm amazed at how we can wander on to wonderful, creative moments and somehow document their essence for future enjoyment and experimentation. This certainly can work in the classroom as well. Regards, Barry

Hi Cynthia: Good ideas. We want to make sure we can maximse the time available to teach, and that may involve egagement in activities other than lecture. Great opportunity for alternative learning strategies. Regards, Barry