Barry Westling

Hi Mark: I think interesting people that engage and keep the interest of students are gret. They may add humor when needed, but some teacher go over the top with too much joking. Some students prefer sincere, honest teachers who teach in a professional manner. Regards, Barry

Hi Joe: These are good examples. Careful planning, time, effort, thought, and choice of media resources need to be considered when selecting apprpriate course material. We want our sudents to be given "the right information, with the right resouce, at the right time". Regards, Barry

Hi Robert: We can give information about grades, and students will appreciate that. We can also offer encouragement and support, showing we care about their success. Regards, Barry

Hi Robert: Good idea. Sometimes just a little "change-up" is all that is needed, like asking a question, circulating around the room, or asking students to summaize the past few minutes of class. Other times, whole new activities will needed to reengage students who seem disinterested, unfocused, tired, or bored. Getting them and moving around or actively involved in a discussion can usually be used to capture the lost attention. Regards, Barry

Hi Robert: I think flipcharts, to intiate discussion, which can then be elaborated on is a terrific idea. Large, poster size post-it flip chart notes can be saved and used in future classes too, added to, or supplemented with other ideas and included in discussions. Regards, Barry

Hi Rick: Good thought - and meaningful. A we grow professionally, our students become the beneficiaries. Regards, Barry

Hi Robert: Sometimes a teacher wll not recognize there is i waeker area that needs improvement. In this case, they should be open to feedback that may offer some indication such as student evaluatios, classroom observation, supervisory evaluations, etc. The more difficult part is being willing to make a change once a need is identified. Change is hard and the teacher has to be committed to seeing improvement for real cange to occur. Regards, Barry

Hi Cynthia: You're right most students want to know how they're doing as soon as possible. Some schools use electronic grading which give instantaneous results. But regradless of the manner in which grade innformation is discussed, Ibelieve we also need to assist students by giving some encouragement and support, showing a caring attitude, and offering ourselves to students for ways to acheive their successfulness. Appreciation, respect, and satisfied students will be the result. Regards, Barry

Hi Christopher: Right, and many teachers and schools will agree with you. Some teachers do allow EC, but I don't think it really helps learning as much as it helps earn a grade, (which may or may not be associated with learning). Regards, Barry

Hi Christopher: You're right, no one likes surprises. So frequent sgharing of grade, or providing a mechanisim for it (electronic grading) is vey helpful. We can use any time we spend talking grades by also asisting by giving encouragement and support, reassuring students they can accomplish whatever they want. This offers hope. And I think with ope comes motivation to succeed. Regards, Barry