Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Amanda: Genuine interest in improvement is an ongoing journey, really never attaining the top (there is no top). When a teacher is serious about wanting to make improvements, they will do all that it requires, such as peer reviews, supervisor evaluations, classroom evaluations, student surveys, self evaluations, testing and evaluation using teacher preparation assessments, personality and learning styles training, etc. The harder part is to follow through with recommendations or results of the testing. I think everyone probably wants to improve, but not all are able or will want to work at it. Much like an athelete in training,… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Mary: I like that idea of shared responsibility. I think your comments are valuable. Also, I think when we inform students about their academic progress, that's a great time to bolster their self confidence. We can encourage, offer support, and give advice in a caring and helpful manner. Most students appreciate these subtle comments, regardless of how they happen to be performing. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Mary: Yes, and you've provide a simple but very telling reason for pretesting. Knowing where additional study is needed, or where the curriculum may need adjusting are terrific outcomes to experience from the pretesting activity. Not that it has to be done all the time. But when performed, there is great merit, in my opinion. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Glenn: Good for you. Many seasoned teachers do not use journals. Those that do actually end up helping their students through the process of reflection, contemplation, self examination, and observation. As time goes by, better teachers begin to look at their classes differently than when they first began. "I actually said that!" might be the expression several years down the road. Boy, you couldn't purchase that kind of depth of understanding. Good luck! Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Understanding yourself as an instructor

Hi Andrew: Achieving a deep and accurate understanding of ourselves allows us to be ourselves, act with confidence, demonstrate our competence, and approach each student with a degree of tolerance, acceptance, and patience - because we're not into some "control or authority" trip, that's really offensive and discourages an openness to students. Effective instructors must excerise control and authority; I'm talking about autocratically lording it over students, due to our inadequacy. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Andrew: Good answer! I believe it's our duty to share the sum of our years of working experiences, education, training, and life experiences to possibly avoid students having to experience the same mistakes we made, and advancing the next generation. I feel we've failed as teachers if we don't aspire to do this. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Andrew: Good point about consistency. Regarding EC, I don't think it constructively helps learning as much as it adds points (grade inflation) to assist students earn a better grade. That's not really learning, and it's not like what graduates will experience in the workplace. I would discourage addig EC to the grading criteria. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Holt: Teachers who journalize find by trial and error what kind of information they want keep track off. The benefit is the reflection, and contemplation of previous thoughts, ideas, comments, or feelings about classes. Honest comments reveal something about ourselves, and that's where we can see improvement, growth, or how differently we view situations over time. The hope is that we become stronger teachers because of it. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi James: I think you're right, well prepared classes run smoothly, seamlessly moving from topic to topic, all resources ready, media and class material ready to go. Illustrations, examples, samples, or demonstration help engage the students as do directed discussions. If we facilitate classes, allowing students to participate, their learning sessions will be more memorable and meaningful. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Organized and prepared to teach

Hi Mark: Prepared teachers are the professionals our students expect. As professionasl, we owe our students the time, effort, and planning it takes to prepare a thorough lesson. Gathering resources, choosing media, preparing a lecture, organizing equipment, constructing quizzes and tests, planning activities that will engage students (discussions, projects, etc) - these are just a few examples of what it takes to prepare. When we look at it like this, you're right, a studet will be able to see if the teacher has prepared or not. Unpreparepared classes are...well, ugly. Regards, Barry