Barry Westling

Hi Richard: For me that common ground zone includeds the thing they're all there for, the career topics. Bringing discussion back to or centered on the career area nearly always captures student's attention. Regards, Barry

Hi Patricia: Very simple yet effective approach to presenting and delivery to your class. Not all students respond the same way but the environment for learning willbe there. Regards, Barry

Hi Patricia: The eye-opening experience of the field trip is hard to duplicate in the classroom. The "peek" into the real world can be very motivational, as some students may only have vague ideas about all aspects of the profession they're training for. Networking "connections" couldn't hurt if that opportunity is available. One important thing is to make sure students thank (in person, email, or written letter) the coordinator of the field trip for the experience. That'll make a good impression as well. Regards, Barry

Hi Mary: Personality makes a difference! Teachers that are natural and approachable make being in their class more enjoyable because questions or concerns can be asked by students without feeling intimidated or put down. Being artificial or some unnatural version of orselves will not be recieved well by students. Teachers with passion and enthusiam create a better learning environment. That includes serious and levity (but not too much), tolerance and patience, and a willingness to let student personality be expressed while maintaining standards for behavior. Regards, Barry

Hi Roger: Yes, you're right. It would be impossible to give "all" I've learned over the years to students in just a few classes. Helping the next generation of students to think critically, to work with honesty and integrity, and to be given opportunities to express their creativity would be an awesome plan to follow. Sharing these attributes may inspire some students to achieve their dreams. Regards, Barry

Hi Roger: You bet. I'm keeping my own fingers crossed that graduates will work hard to help pay my SS! The truth is, and perhaps a component of the goal, is to be able to transfer the knowledge I've gained and be able to to deliver it to my students. As recipients, they'll not only get jobs but take the profession to a higher level than was posssible during my years working the job. Regards, Barry

Hi Patricia: Pretesting is a tool that instructors can use when they are unsure of the basic knowledge base f their students, usually at the beginning of a class. I don't think that it has to be done every class or all the time, just when the information may help put the emphasis other than where originally planned. Regards, Barry

Hi Ken: You've listed good reasons. For me, it really has to do with measuring to what degree did the student meet the course objetives. If these are accurate and well written, when we measuere (evaluate)performance, we'll be close to estimating how well a student might use the knowledge or perform the skills in the work setting. Regards, Barry

Hi Ken: Pretesting does identify where what a teacher has planned may need to be modified in order to put more emphasis where students will benefit in a greater way. Regards, Barry