Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Christine: You have expressed some very nice inspired goals for your students. They should be proud of your aspirations for their success. My idea of the main goal is giving what I have and through the instructional process, transfer as much as possible. What they take from me contributes a small degree to their whole career training, and hopefully will grow to make a bigger difference once they graduate and begin work. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting instructional media

Hi Amanda: Media selection is one of the more enjoyable responsibilities for a teacher because it enables us to express our creativity, use a variety of resources, see the progess made by students as they advance towards achievement, and makes the job of teaching more enjoyable and interesting. Keeping students active is a key. The more involved they are the more they'll retain. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Erika: You've got a good process there. I think the more frequent we can inform students of their status, the more time will be available to make corrections based on the advice and suggestions we've given. This is also a great opportunity to also offer kind words of comfcort (if doing poorly), or encouragement and support, which may suggest the teacher cares about the student's success. Students will fremember and appreciate this simple act of courtesy. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Hi Erika: Rubrics are perfect for subject areas and assignments where there could room for some degree of subjectivity. The rubric attempts to define beforehand expectations the teacher will have in grading the assignment, and also gives the student some fore knowledge on what will be needed to earn the designated points. Some students have commented that, while rubrics helped define what was expected, they relied too much on compliance (in order to earn the points) which interefered with their creativity and freedom in expresssing their ideas in the content of their assignment. In the end, we want to make… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Rey: Extra credit may have a place in ceratin classes under specific conditions, but it certainly should not be a major grade component. Teachers and institutions will have to come up with their own practices but I belive the majority of both does not favor or prohibits awarding extra credit. As I said earlier, EC is mostly about points and little to do with learning. But I understand it's ma controverserial topic. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Amanda: Taking the time, effort, thought, and planning to put together and organize our classes makes all the difference between effective lessons and mediocre ones. Organization allows us to save time, have the needed resources, deliver our lessons in a calm and relaxed manner, and result in a more effective learning experience for our students. Also, students will appreciate our efforts. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Laura: It's only natural that we teach to our strengths. One consequence is that the students will tend to receive the same types of media choices, presentation and delivery formats, and teaching strategies repeated over and over. One way to exercise working on our weaker areas is to be consistent in these areas: honest and sincere; kind and caring, passionate and ethusiastic, encouraging and supportive, tolerant and patient; and approachable, yet open to opposing viewpoints. With these attributes practiced on a regular basis, we should begin to expand our range of effectiveness, trying new and creative techniques, and building… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Amanda: You've touced on two important points: one is that of role modeling and the other is efficient time management. When an unprepared teacher conducts class, it's gonna take more time and the lesson will be less complete. The students will probably notice the disorganization and not appreciate it. The other is role modeling. When student come to class and are greeted by name by the teacher, and there is time to visit casually or perhaps answer a student question. That stands out. When the lesson begins, the topics are presented in an orderly, calm, and relaxed manner with… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

Hi Lisa: Having a different voice is good and does offer some variety. For me, the main thing students get is an inspired view of the work setting thet'll soon be a part of. That can be quite motivational! Students are more willing to try harder in class as a result too! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Lisa: I think student performance and standing should be done as frequently as possible. If too much time expires between discussion of performance there will be less time for the student to correct or make improvements. We can also use that time for encouragement and support, along with guidence, advice, and suggestions for improvement. Regards, Barry