Barry Westling

Hi Michael: Good point. I refer to this as "previews of coming attractions", not to be funny, but to provide some insight into topics and content that is coming. Some students will actually surprise themselves on how well they do and commit to sustaining that effort. Wonderful! Regards, Barry

Hi Maribeth: Yes, we can be role models in a lot of way, including being prepared. When a stuednt comes to class, sees it's set up, arranged, and the teacher has all the handouts, exercises, prepared lessons, and plans times for questions, delivers the material in a relaxed, calm manner, this is a terrific learning envrinment for students. Regards, Barry

Hi Taylon: Media selections should support the curriculum, and as tools, compliment the instruction to facilitate learning. There are so many media choices these day, we have a lot to choose from and narrowing down media that's is pertinent, effective and efficient, and gets students thinking are best Time fikllers, or information alone are nor effective for instruction. We want student to be active participants in their learning. Regards, Barry

Hi Taylon: For me student centered puts the focus on what the student needs to learn the material vs my preplanned curriculum that dictates when and how things will be. It individualizes the students instruction to some degree. Regards, Barry

Hi Taylon: Well, flwless instruction would be an admirable quality! But I get your meaning. Preparation means being ready for the class and that can only happen with thought, planning, time, and effort. Students recognize when a teacher is prepared, and it makes for improved learning. Regards, Barry

Hi Karen: This is great. Sytudents do appreciate getting their assignments and assessment returned quickly - everyone wants to know how they did. For some classes it take extra effort to accomplish this; other times, like with essays, it's not practical for immediate turnaround of returned assignments. The main thing is if students need improvement or corrections in their thinking, the sooner we can convey that, the more time there will be to have an effect on their learning (and grades). Regards, Barry

Hi Karen: I don't think pretesting is necessarily something a teacher has to do, but if you find it might be helpful, then it's just another tool you have access to to assist your students in their learning process. Knowing at what level your students are performing, or comparing beginning to ending performance can be helpful to teachers. Maybe adjustments to youer curriculum result from this activity. However you choose to use it, if it helps, then make it work for you and your students. Regards, Barry

Hi Amanda: Yep, pretesting, like most most instructional activities, can be customized to fit and used in the way most beneficial for a class. I don't always use pretesting. Sometimes when I do, it's very simple, because I use it to find where my students are. It's also fun to comapare how far students have come. This can be done in segments with several pretests and accompanying posttests as well. Regards, Barry

Hi Karen: Great example. Our personality is and should be an extension of of natural self, not something put on just for class. I believe students will appreciate our delivery when the recognize our expertise and it's presentation is a genuine version of ourselves with all of our sibcerity, enthusiasm, and excitement. It make for more enjoyable and interesting classes. Regards, Barry

Hi Karen: I agree with the importance of student observations, comments, and performance. If this were a diary, it might be like commenting on a toddler lerning to walk and the process leading to "mastery". Of course, most teachers comment about their own feelings, comments, observations, planning, etc. But student comments can have a place as well. Regards, Barry