Barry Westling

Hi Lori: Yeah, I really think field trips do alot of things when they're scheduled, such as improved morale, motivation, better attention span, better performance in class afterwards, and so on. Really good stuff here. Regards, Barry

Hi Lori: Very true, and I think students just do better when they have confidence in their instructor (just as does the instructor does better). Regards, Barry

Hi Julie: Yes, needs are being met because the instructor is willing to modify or customize the lesson and instruction to individual student needs. Really, all instruction should have degree of being student centered. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Regards, Barry

Hi Timothy: Collective component grading (such as you describe) provides the best general approach to assigning grades. The key to emphasize is we want to measure learning, so selecting the assessment methods is one part, and weighing the components is another, just as important element. There is no best way to arrive at this balance - many do it by trial and error. Keeping the focus on measuring learning will help guide decisions. Regards, Barry

Hi Timothy: Great. I too like having students assess at the beginning, then repeat the test at they conclusion to reinforce (and encourage) students to see how far they've come. It's an easy exercise with amplified results. Regards, Barry

Hi Darlene: Boy, I agree about the powerful impact good field trips or exceptional guest speakers can create for students. I think "a vision for a hoped for future" often becomes a reality in some students when inspired field experiences are planned. That internal spark can really influence students in a way that other learning activities cannot. Regards, Barry

Hi Donald: As a sort of daily diary, teaching journals can provide an ongoing dialog with yourself that provides a good and current record of events, thoughts, observations, notes, and planning for future reflection or use. The biggest advantage is reading notes from say, 2,3, or 5 years back. Recognizing growth, or how ones view of situations may have changed (or not). Regards, Barry

Hi Ashley: Yeah, when we can accuately and conscientiously share performance status with students, they appreciate it, may do better, and hopefully acheive beyond what they think they can do! Regards, Barry

Hi Ashley: Good - and keeping students interested enough to get the needed information will always be our challenge as teachers. But I know we're all up for it. Regards, Barry

Hi Shanna: Yes, good preparation leads to the needed knowledge, skills and affect (KSA) required in the work setting. Regards, Barry