Barry Westling

Hi Ruth: Field trips are dynamic learning experiences. Guest speakers have a great impact as well, but not as significant as the field trip. I think the primary reason is students get a chance to actually see some aspect of the real work of work their being prepared for. This can transform a students effort, motivations, and imagination to a degree that many will begin to work harder and try to do their best because they visualize themselves in a potential successful career. Regards, Barry

Hi Gretchen: Right! Orrganized lessons require preparation. This requires thought, planning, gathering of resources, and a game plan about how best to present the lesson. This won't happen automatically, and lesser teachers will only complicate the learning process if they are less than fully prepared. Regards, Barry

Hi Ruth: You're right, as a student one ting they'll dislike is a class that's disorganized, unplanned, with a teacher who is not able to present the material in a logical, sequential manner. Students expect (and deserve) a teacher who is confident and competent, able to field questions right along in the flow of the class, with resources ready at hand, and able to deliver the content as a subject matter expert. This takes time, enregy and effort, thought, planning, and a eagerness to to provide the best class they can every time. Regards, Barry

Hi Dave: You are right - we have a responsibility and the students have a similar responsibility to be prepared. Ours is probably greater because we owe a full portion of instruction to all willing students. In the students case, they may choose or not choose to participate. Nevertheless, we have to be ready. Regards, Barry

Hi Richild: A good self understanding provides an instructor to play to their strengths and work on improving weaker areas (but not ignore them). I think we all have stronger areas and that we depend on these. Students expect a teacher who is prepared, expert in their field, and able to convey the key concepts involved in the instruction of the class. Good planning and prepartion can be helpful to teachers who may need a little extra time working to present a thorough class. Regards, Barry

Hi Monte: Teachers use their journal for a lot of difference reasons. It's highly personal - and confidential. Notations on what has worked/not worked, student observations/difficulties, comments, plans/ideas, reflections on how the class is going - things like this can quite helpful especially if viewed from the perspective of several classes, or even several years. Growth, perspective, choies made, these are invaluable insights that can only be obtained over time. Regards, Barry

Hi Bryon: Extra credit is all about points, and has little to do with learning. Slackers in class will perform poorly, then want additional assignments to make up their poor performance. That's different than a bonus point, or dropping the lowest quiz score, or adjustments based on course content. If the EC assignment is worthwhile, I think it should be added to the curriculum. Regards, Barry

Hi Bryon: Right. Making adjustments for time sake or students sake is one great benefit to pretesting. Also, beginning class to final class comparisons can be quite helpful, and convey information about my teaching effectiveness. Regards, Barry

Hi Sharon: Yes, the transfer of knowledge and it's application to a career field or profession if a big part of the goal. Preparing students who can think and takec their knowledge to the next level is important, as these students are part of the next generation, and change will only occur with thinking, competent students. Regards, Barry