Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Brenda: Organized suggests planning, thought, effort and concern for the the students learning has preceded the lesson. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Dawn: Pretests have their place. I don't use it every time or every class. It works best for me when I am unsure where my students are at. The results can be quite helpful. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Dawn: That "feeling behind" sense can be strong and even affect the attitude and behavior of the teacher. It is not a good feeling, and good preparation is the cure. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Jolyn: You're very prepared! Methods to use when what was planned cannot be covered include discussion, Q&A, student-guided review, or critiquing a section from a textbook, as just a handful of exampls. These are all low key, low tech, low maintenance activities that require little preparation but are great for engaing students in their own learning, which they're likey to remember more from anyway than some.one giving information. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Hi Jolyn: In it's basic form, a grading system should measure to what degree the student has learned the required material. Using course objectives, student learning outcomes, and master skill assessments (if applicable), the challenge is to come up with the best way to measure. Best, for me, suggests fair, effeicient, comprehensive, and representative of what was taught (not what should have been taught). There are many measuring methods. A grading rubric can help assure some order of objectivity, but isn't applicable to alll settings. But it is important that to the degree possible, the students will know beforehand what… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Maria: Preparedness suggests competence and confidence in the teacher and what they have to bring to the class. Role models we can be. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Isabel: Disorganization conveys a confused state, confusing and unclear expectations, and adds unneeded angst and anxiety for students. Hoever, prepared teachers have thought and planned, gathered what they need, are ready when class begins, and delivers a logical sequential prestation or lesson. There is time for questions. And students anticipate the teacher means business and they're gonna learn! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Diane: Yeah, the problem solving/critical thinking thing is very important for succesful students and workers. For me, I rely on student learning objectives, course objectives, my knowledge of the real world work expectations, and trying to individualize my instruction to reach each student on their level, to bring them closer to my level. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting evaluation methods

Hi Michael: These all seem like great and specific methods to evaluate for your class. For me, and in a more general way, I think evaluation systems should measure the degree to which a student has met the objectives, learned the material, or mastered a skill. The challenge for the teacher is to determine which methods will achieve that in a fair, efficient, consistent, and objective manner. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Sabra: I think the field trip and guest speaker are very powerful activities that can influence, inspire, and direct students towards their chosen career path. For some, their vague idea of what their profession consists of is brought into focus, and when students can visualize themselves doing the job, they often begin doing better in class as well. Regards, Barry