Barry Westling

Hi Kimberlee: Or, from the same token, if we are conssitently disorganized, it may give the student an excuse to tune out, causing them to miss key information. Regards, Barry

Hi Shantana: So what we are all really describing is an "attitude" that best serves the student's outcomes. Would you agree? Regards, Barry

Hi Joshua: Indeed. A balance is always important, for example, what might be the problem with being TOO humorous, TOO passionate, TOO stern, etc.? Regards, Barry

Hi Joshua: You may be correct! If a student would see in the opening of the class what they need to be prepared to answer, it may help with retention of information. Regards, Barry

Hi Ramon: Yes, this kind of tool is great for helping to show the instructor what improvements might be made in their classes to create the most efficient learning environment possible. Regards, Barry

Hi Joshua: Very true. Many institutions are moving towards electronic grading systems that show the student their grades on a daily basis for the very reasons you describe. Regards, Barry

Hi Mary: Yeah, especially in Vo-Tech or career training environments, you get the full gamut and varieties of backgrounds. For me, student centered suggests I put aside my planned, prepared lesson, and try to evaluate "how can I best convey this topic to this student?" It may take the teacher far from what they had planned, but if you reach the student, success has been achieved. And that's really what the ultimate goal is all about. Regards, Barry

Hi Tammy: Sure - nearl;y beveryone is usually interested in their performance. Some schools have electronic grading systems that allow the teacher and student both see their graded assignments virtually instantaneously. But I believe that as slick as some of these systems are, there is just no substitute for face-toface communication with the student. This allows the teacher to convey interest, support, enthusiasm, and advice on how students can improve. That's really invaluable quality time. Regards, Barry

Hi James: Evaluation is the key to determining to what degree the student learned the daily or topic lessons. There are many approaches to evaluating student performance and/or achievement. But in all of them, "did the student learn" should at the foundation. Regards, Barry

Hi Vilma: I agree and believe when students see that theior nteacher has gone to some effort to get the class ready, hass all of the materials, conducts and controls class in an orderly and scholary manner, that will will convey the "tone" expected of students, with resultant improved respect and courtesy displayed both to the teacher and classmates. I don't mean stale - in fact better classes are vibrant, stimulating and alive. But rarely does that occur without solid preparation and planning. Regards, Barry