Barry Westling

Hi Lacy: We all have our preferred style but are capable with others. Like a muscle, using what needs more polishing can help us in being overall better teachers. But I suggest this only if it'll be helpful to students, not just for the sake of trying. Regards, Barry

Hi Cinder: Yes. I am so much more at ease - calm, relaxed, ready to deliver, or take questions or interruptions, and always have a game plan. This gets conveyed to the students and helps them be relaxed and comfortable in class too. More relaxed opens the mind to better retention. Regards, Barry

Hi Angelia: Frequent and early-on sharing of grade information helps in a couple of ways. It informs the student, gives us an opportunity to advise and offer suggestions, and gives a chance to encourage and offer support. There needs to be time for the student to make adjustments and for their corrections to have an effect on their grade. Regards, Barry

Hi Angelia: Yes, we can learn where we may need to put more emphasis that originally planned. I use pretesting when I'm unsure at what level my students are operating at. Regards, Barry

Hi Angelia: When a teacher introduces variety into the lessons, they are going to involve more senses just out of necessity. It's good to try to involve more senses, but only if it positively contributes to the lesson. Regards, Barry

Hi Angelia: When I'm prepared, the class just goes well. I feel more confident, and student learning becomes more interesting as I have more time to be involved with the students individually -0 or just being able to take time with the whole class. Not prepared is awful. Regards, Barry

Hi Donna: Yes, and the more variety you can add, the more interesting and enjoyable that class will be. Variety allows more students to participate and become involved and engaged in the lesson. Regards, Barry

Hi Donna: Selecting media really takes some thought and planning. There are so many media choices and instructional methods to choose from - we wan to find the ones that will be most efficient in teaching the student well, and in an enjoyable manner that's interesting and memorable. I use the course objectives and student learning outcomes as a starting point. Then I reflect on my own experience and think about "how can I get this across". Keeping the end in mind also helps decide what may work best. Regards, Barry

Hi Donna: Guest speakers are good, and graduate guest speakers are dynamic! It seems they always have a level of enthusiasm that's fresh, their attitude is encouraging, their dying to answer questions, and students can relate to them especially because "they're one of their own". Regards, Barry

Hi Althea: I think the frequency you're meeting with your students is terrific. I hope they appreciate the time you're giving them. It's really ideal. I think you'll always have some that want more for less (more grade for less work). Well, we can lead them to the path, buth they're going to have to do the walking and heavy lifting. Regards, Barry