Barry Westling

Hi Gary: You listed some terrific ideas on media choices. One thing I always keep in mind is how my choices align with the course objectives and student learning outcomes. If these have written well, that makes our job a bit easier when chosssing how best to meet an objective, It also helps when developing assessments and exams. Regards, Barry

Hi Ruth: I think it's true teachers have their favorite and less favored topics. It ought to be a balanced combination of delievry techniques and a variety of instructional methods whether the teacher prefers them or not. One thing we all have in common is the ability to be honest, caring, sincere, genuine - natural versions of ourselves rather than an artificial version of some else in order to try to capture student attention. Students appreciate honesty more than personalty. Regards, Barry

Hi John: I agree the student will benefit more if the teacher is flexible with their lessons and "reaches and teahes" to the students, rather than some cookie-cutter process that may look great on paper or even hep some students but miss others. Student cenetered puts the focus on the student. Regards, Barry

Hi Alexis: I think teachers mature, both chronologically and developmentally. Each class can serve as a "lab for teachers", ultimately using the culmination of many years to blossom and expand the capabilities a teacher possesses. Along with that, by necesity, comes an understanding of diverse student populations and their uniquenesses. Both merge to form a creative learning environmet. Regards, Barry

Hi Margie: There's so many really creative standard and variations of standard and alternative media out there; gosh, by standards of just a few year back, we have so much. That's why caution that just because something is "cool", doesn't make it necessarily right for for this class at this time. So, I look for variety, and mix it up. Change ups fairly often are appreciated by students, helping them stay focused, and keeping the instruction kind of fun, enjoyable, and interesting. Regards, Barry

Hi Margie: There's probably some principle out there that prove a strong student mnatched up with a weaker students somewhow bring the two more closely aligned, to the mutual benefit of both. I don't know, I've not heard of that, but your description makes for a good case to prove it (at least in that situation. Student mentoring is cool because it gives students a feeling of self worth and perhaps satisfaction they are contributing. As teachers, we ought to facilitate this kind of thing more, because it's helpful to students. Regards, Barry

Hi Margie: Well, what an unexpected compliment. Good teaching really uses just basic ideas and common sense. But it's work, no matter how you cut it.And theat work will pay off dividends in current student learning and future worker satisfaction and success! Regards, Barry

Hi Mario: Yes, students will respect a teacher who demonstrates they are prepared. They will see the instructor has put time, effort, thought, and planning into producing and the the delivery of the class material. Regards, Barry

Hi Mario: I believe in any class, students senses can be trained to "tune-in", so that maximum effect of instruction can occur. It's almost like auto suggestion, such as "reading this chapter REALLY is interesting", or "I Really like the feel of this equipment", etc. It takes some practice but I believe this is a proven method to heighten our senses. REgards, Barry

Hi Mario: If you're dealing with a whole class that's become disinterested or unfocused, it might be hard to pull a student aside and speak with them. Telling a story about a situation or work related occurence seems like it always brings the students back to attention. Circulating around the room works, too. You can consider to begion asking students questions also, and they then begin to expect, since they may be called upon, to pay more attention. Sometimes, changing the whole direction with a diiferent activity is needed too. Regards, Barry