Barry Westling

Hi Michael: Yes, visualization is a powerful motivator, as the abilty to effect it's fruition lies within all of us. Thanks! Regards, Barry

Hi Michael: Great list. Students remember field trips and often are moved by guest speakers. Most classes could do more field trips and invite more guest speakers to class for more meaningful classes. Regards, Barry

Hi Robin: For me, it seems that students get disengaged because they're unprepared, unfamiliar with the material, bored, tired, ill, or distracted. Whatever, getting them back on track can be simple (as you've described), or employing "change-ups", such as changing gears completely, and doing a wholly different activity. You describe group discussion. I think this one of the best ways to get students "activated" and motivated. Also, it fosters critical thinking, public speaking, class participation, self confidence, competence, and often, analysis. These are good traits to develop, and in a discussion forum, they're fun to cultivate. Regards, Barry

Hi Robin: Your last sentence says it all. There are mutual benefits that assist bit teacher and student, for the reasons you state, and more. I think pretesting is a very underutilized technique that could benefit more teachers and classes. Regards, Barry

Hi David: Soft skills keep the well trained person employed! Regards, Barry

Hi John: I think most students are similar to you and exhibit some of the same feelings you describe. One in particular, repitition. It is rare when a student can hear or read something once and expect to remember it, or understand it, or put it into the bigger picture of the topic. Atheletes practice, practice, practice. Musicians rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. I guess you could say (successful) students repeat, repeat, repeat. Even if they don't fully comprehend full mastery, it'll take some repitition in order to convert that information over into long term memory. Regards, Barry

Hi Gerry: I think it's simple: When students respect their teacher, it tends to reflect on the whole school. Same if there are less than wonderful feelings about the instruction or instructor. or...pick a category. So our job is to insure we do our best to reach each student personally with sincere, honest, and honest teaching. Regards, Barry

Hi Randy: Great example. Plus, if the situation were true, what time would the teacher have to relate to the students before class, or answer questions, or get to know them? Most couteous students might be intimidated (and frustrated) to "bother" the harried teacher. That'd be a shame. Regards, Barry

Hi Kilyoung: Devils advocate speaking: Extra Credit is viewed by many as unfair, diminishes the hard work completed by the serious students, and contributes to grade inflation. But many teachers believe in it and use it. This is my opinion. Regards, Barry

Hi Kilyoung: The transfer of knowledge is really the key element. How we go about will vary. Regards, barry