Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Tom: Yes, we are role models. Tha's a basic expectatation. We can be be better prepared by assuring we have given the needed time, planning, thinking, gathering resources, reviewing material, so that when in class, we can deliver dynamic, interesting, and enjoyable lessons. This doesn't happen by accident and requies the effort to make these outcomes a reality. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Tom: I think the field trip can so dramatic and inspirational for many students, their studies actually begin to improve as the result of renewed motivation. That vision od a "potential future" can be very powerful. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Derbe: When I am aware of my stronger and weaker areas, I become more effective in the classroom as I know how I can be of the most benefit to my students. For instance, a good drummer should not try to be a good cellist. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Hi George: Fair is always a needed goal; achieving that is a bit harder. One way is assure that all course and student learning objectives have been adequately coved in the course, then keep the questions tied to the objectives - that will help remaining fair. Using a grading rubric that is available at the beginning of a course is another effective tool. In this way, students know from the get go how the teacher will assigning grades. Smart students will learn to review the rubric and do their best to model their performance after the higher point categories. Regards,… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Pamela: Field trips are very inspirational as you have described. Students get motivated and may begin to do better in class as a reswult. A good guest speaker can also have a similar effect. Preping the students to jot down questions that come to mind sometime allow for more significant discussions by the guest speaker. Usually, if one student has a question, others will have the same or similar questions. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Pamela: Having a good Plan-B or Plan-C will assure that the needed information gets covered. Like your idea to write out the steps, that deviated from your plan yet achieved a positive result. Perfect example of a Plan-B (or back-up plan). Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Georgie: We can be good stewards of our own time and be examples to students what makes for preparedness and good organizatioin. These skills will undoubtedly be useful in their work setting. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Georgie: A prepared teacher has organized their materials, prepared their lessons, gathered the needed media resources, and is available to the student to both present the lesson material and to answer unanticipated questions. Preparation leads to respect and trust in the teacher. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Georgie: For me, it comes down to transfering my knowledge to the student. Of course there is a lkimit to that. But I possess knowledge the student needs. So my goal is to find ways to achieve that. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Georgie: For me, frequent and personal discussions regarding student performance provide the best method for me to share suggestions and advice, and still have time for any correction to have an impact on the students grade. This usually helps build trust and respect between the student and teacher as well. Regards, Barry