Barry Westling

Hi Thomas: Thanks for sharing your comments. For me Student Leaning Outcomes (SLO's) form the "WHAT" of a class. By what, I mean SLO's define what it is the student is to leran. In contrast, course objectives (CO's) form the the "HOW" of the course. By how, I mean CO's define how the teacher will achieve reaching the SLO's. In this fashion, student learning occurs in a sequntial manner and assures that at least the potential for expected outcomes will be present. Regards, Barry

Hi Farrell: A well informed student will do better. This includes being informed of their status. When there's room for improvement, what a perfect opportunity to give important advice,as well give some support and encouagement - recognition of good work and assistance any help they might neeed. Regards, Barry

Hi Althea: Yes, they have a right, and we have a responsibility to share, impart, encorage, support, and assist in getting the students to achieve their best. Regards, Barry

Hi Jeremy: The problem with EC is it inflates the grade (as you've pointed out), some students may feel it's unfair, and essential knowledge may be lacking in students. Are we most interested in points and grades, orvstudent learning and outcomes that prepare them for work? I'll add that awarding EC is very controverserial. There is nor right or wrong, just strong opinions on both sides. Regards, Barry

Hi Jeremy: This may occur, but some students just don't test well, even if they have the knowledge. Even so, you will get an overall idea and that's what important. It can also help you make adjustments or tweak areas of your curriculum based on your student performance. Regards, Barry

Hi Jeremy: For me, the goal is the transfer of my knowledge to them, in a way they can understand, and apply it to ther work setting. Regards, Barry

Hi Thomas: At orientation, I tell students to try to get on the same wave lenght as their teacher. For me, that means, if I have a topic with several important points, and I am being serious in my delivery, that's the level they should be on. In contrast, another topic may be lighter, and the points less important, so I approach it with humor, stories, past situations, mistakes I've made, etc. That's the level they hould on as well. Regards, Barry

Hi Thomas: This situation is a good example for the need of a good back-up plan. Maybe you do this, but I would "expand" the current event topics by students who are present by putting them into groups, with discussion questions, then havin a each group present therir summary to the remainder of the class. Regards, Barry

Hi Jeremy: An organized daily lesson flows so smoothly, and it becoes obivious to the students the teacher is prepared. Regards, Barry

Hi Althea: Well said. There are other purposes too, such as comparing begiining vs ending learning, or assessing the curriculum. Regards, Barry