Barry Westling

Hi Delbert: Stephen Covey says to "seek first to understand, then be understood". Good instructors are always looking to improve, and I've learned it's a lifelong process, a journey without a final destination. But without a willingness to change, that teacher will not be helping their students to capacity as they should, and as the students expect. Regards, Barry

Hi Alicia: True - and there are many ways to prepare, but the bottom line is when it's time for class, the students see a teacher ready for class, with resources organized, able to feild questions withouty missing a step, and making the class interesting and enjoyable. This environment doesn't happen by itself, it takes work, effort, and thought. Teacher who fail to plan will not be well received by their students if thta pattern is consistently demonstrated. Regards, Barry

Hi Racquel: Yes, field trips are unique in that thy are capable turing some poorer performing students 180 degress through inspired, interesting, visits to future work settings. I think many students may only have a vague idea about what they're being trained for and thye field trip can provide a means to motivate and create a whole new reason to try their best while in school. Regards, Barry

Hi Rebecca: The more variety we can introduce into our delivery the better information retention students will experience. Adding technology, as you point out, if your students can handle it, is one such example. We need to keep in mind the effctive attention span of most adult learners, and, unless we dd a lot of different media choices and break the lesson up into smaller bits, we take the chances of missing some of our students. Regards, Barry

Hi Rebecca: Sometimes students assume the worst and ar surprised how close to getting a good grade they are. I think your frequent status updates are important as everyone wants to know how they're doing - good or bad. We can use this opportunity to also add advice, encouragement ad support, suggesting we cre about their success. As you point out, studnts are usually appreciative. Regards, Barry

Hi Rebecca: Good example of on course correction. The studnts probably felt as though this was you plan all along. That's always a measure of a good back-up plan - if the students cn't tell whether you planned the lesson this way or not. I too always add a little extra, more than I'll probably get to, but it also gives me an opportunity to adjust or refocus if I feel the need. Regards, Barry

Hi Rebecca: Excellent!. Passing on what we know is the start, but ultimatly the next generation will be responsible to take their profession to new levels, and that can't happen using existing knowledge. But we can create the desire, the passion, and the drive to achieve more. With that attitude, I'm confident they will. Regards, Barry

Hi Rebecca: It's clear that both activities are unique and almost universally enjoyed by students. So much inspiration, motivation, and determiation to try harder comes from guests or fieldtrips than probably any other activity a teahr can plan for. Regards, Barry

Hi Gilbert: SLO's can be fine way to define WHAT a student is gain from a class. All of the associated lessons, resources, learning aids, and assessment determine HOW the student met the outcomes. Simple definition but true. Regards, Barry

Hi Cynthia: Sure, when things appear together and running smoothly, the environment is improved for learning. And smooth, planned class sessions will be appreciated by the students too. Regards, Barry