Barry Westling

Hi Anna: I think better instructors share some of these traits: confidence, competence, experience, educated, credentialed, helpful, creative, and honest. Great traits for teachers, and usually possessed by all to some degree. So we come into the classroom striving to be our best, but we bring with us much of what we already have. Knowing that, and believing in ourselves creates great classroom dynamics and definitely facilitates better learning outcomes for the students. Regards, Barry

Hi Anna: Good use of resources. Pretesting can also grab the attention of students by letting them in on what lies ahead in the class. This can be helpful in dismissing fears or stress about what is coming up in the class, and perhaps, with less stress, studends may perform a bit better. Regards, Barry

Hi Anna: Many teachers will use a grading rubric, a tool that defines in advance how many points one will recieve depending on various factors. This should be developed and discussed at the beginning of a class, and obligates both teacher and student to it's rules. This the objective way to assess performance fairly and evenly to all students uniformly. Regards, Barry

Hi Garry: Sometimes it takes longevity to appreciate seemingly subtle or simple truths and advancement we've made. Journalizing is one method to accomplish that. Reflection on what has been helps create what will be. Regards, Barry

Hi Anna: Great example for readers of this module. I understand not all will have ample access all the time, but this is a wonderful and very contemporary method to teach and keep students interest. Regards, Barry

Hi Anna: Good time managers seem to gravitate to teaching. Maybe because instruction is a very diciplined process, I don't know. But having that attribute can be put to good use through planning, effort, thought, and readiness concerning needed resources. Regards, Barry

Hi Stephanie: Demonstration, lab, touch, movement - these tactile experiences can contribute so much, as you say, to the retention and application of of a learning segment. More time for these activities is nearly always beneficial. Regards, Barry

Hi Anna: Many teachers are restricted in their autonomy to customize the lesson plan, so some lessons have to be taught a certain way regardless if students benefit or not. How sad. Regards, Barry

Hi Stephanie: Right. EC has the potential for grade inflation, and more inportant than grades, students may miss out on learning needed material. What a shame. Regards, Barry

Hi Anna: Nice analogy! We are the creators of opportunity. Getting the students to view our role in that manner can potentially change lives. Regards, Barry