Barry Westling

Hi Mark: Good point. I think there are many reasons why students get off track, some may even be legitimate. Nonetheless, our mission is to keep class interesting and relevant so students will no choice but to (voulntarily) become engaged. Regards, Barry

Hi Anna: Yeah...that darn'd ego thing. You're right. I can say some of the strongest, smartest and most helpful teachers I've had were the most humble individuals. How amazing that they could put themselves aside and center their focus on the students. Awesome. Good comment, too. Regards, Barry

Hi Paul: Good point on reflection. For me, we evaluate to determine to what degree students learned. In some ways, we should already know that answer, if we've conducted an active, spirited class session all along where we're receiving continuous feedback from the students regarding their understanding. Regards, Barry

Hi Denise: Good points about making a class memorable and relevant through stories and work-related experiences. Keeping a class interesting is a key to keeping attention, and hopefully, invovlment and engaged in the lesson. Having a vibrant class that's fun is a great learning envrironment. Regards, Barry

Hi Robert: Preparation is really key to an abundant, vibrant lesson. And it just doesn't happen, we've got to make it happen, through planning, effort, and creative energy. With that, enthusiastic participation is bound to result. Regards, Barry

Hi Michael: I think even the best, more experienced, top dog, or wahtever you want to label it, can always benefit by sitting in other classes. I don't think think I've ever walked away from a class unimpressed with something, albeit subtle, that the teacher used that I found useful. Perhaps a key is to set a personal expectation that gaining insighful experience through peer observations will occur every time a class observation is conducted. Our truth is what we believe, eh? Regards, Barry

Hi Alice-Marie: Many times in a classroom setting, gathering resources is part of the preparation. It would seem that in an extern setting, many of the resources are just naturally present. So that gives us the opportunity to put thought, effort, and planning into other areas that will contribute to a significant learning experience. Regards, Barry

Hi Robert: Teaching does have it's rewards! We just need to make sure we are giving all we have and the rest usually comes naturally. Regards, Barry

Hi Robert: Pretesting, even if done very rarely (as I do) can be one of the many learning tools available to teachers who want to know beforehand what their students know. Regards, Barry

Hi Robert: For me, the grading system is set up to measure learning, not award grades. EC is purely a grading entity. If a grade is lowered due to even legiitmate reasons, that's kind of a "life happens" situation and will be accurately reflected in the grade - not artifically raised. Regards, Barry