Barry Westling

Hi Harriet: Our job as educators is to teach and prepare student for a future career. I like to think of it as a better life. Therefore, my preparation for classes can positively contribute to the student's future career. Regards, Barry

Hi Harriet: For me, giving the required knowledge as defined in the course outline, and sharing my experiences to complement the course material is one of the goals of educating. Tying these into practical skills that can assist the student land and keep a good job are part of that as well. Regards, Barry

Hi Teresa: I think a good guest speaker can really motivate a class, getting to think about their chosen career field, and recipients of real world perspective. It's very cool when the speaker will validate something the teacher has been emphasizing - credibility. Regards, Barry

Hi Harriet: Each institution and teacher has to decide where they stand with EC. I don't allow it. My reasons are it's subjective, students perceive it as unfair, and it contributes to grade inflation. When I once gave EC to a student and was accused of showing faroritism, I decided anything graded will be listed in the syllabus at the beginning of class and I will stick to it. My experience and opinion. Regards, Barry

Hi Harriet: Yeah, it can be helpful. I use it if I'm unsure what level my students are performing at. So, don't use it all the time, but it's a great tool when I do. Regards, Barry

Hi Shawna: Many institutions, and of course many instructors would agree with you. Variables of subjectivity, fairness in grading, claims of faroritism, and grade inflation are the usual reasons cited. I'm sure there are mnany other "bad" experiences asssociated with EC that teachers and institutions have experienced. Regards, Barry

Hi Shawna: Sequencing instructional material can sometimes be a bit tricky, depending on the circumstances. Having good back up plans can assure the students you value their time and respect their desire for learning. Activities that are low key, can be implemmented on short notice, are low tech, and require little resources work best. I'm thinking of class discussions, course reviews, student-led teaching of specific segments, workbook exercises, written summaries of topic-specific material, or small group discussions based on a topic given by the instructor or the textbook, or if applicable, skills practice. Regards, Barry

Hi Shawna: You bet! An enthusiastic teacher exited about their topic is very attention-grabbing and attention sustaining. Regards, Barry

Hi Janet: Ethusiasm is one of those behaviors that is contagious. If a teacher displays this manner regularly, students will begin to mirror it. People like positive, upbeat, settings and personalities. This an easy way to craete that kind of setting. Regards, Barry

Hi Rajini: Oraganized teachers may receive trust and respect, but even if not, we are committed to prepare through thoughtful planning, effort, and time to present the best lessons. I agree students will apreciate the effort. For me, I believe trust, respect, and courtesy are simply mirrored back from the teacher (if we give it, we'll get it). Regards, Barry