Barry Westling

Hi Kilyoung: Back up plans can be very helpful, especially on that dreaded day when nothing is working, or available, and everything is going cracy. It's chaos! But a sensible back up plan that can be intiated quickly with little preparation, little technology, and is related to the the topic can be a lifesaver! Regards, Barry

Teresa: Publisher PPT's are okay, inasmuch as they follow the outline of the book. Unfortunately, many times what a teacher may want to cover isn't laid out in the same arragement, or even covered at all. So using publisher slides to augment your own PPT presentation provides the best alternative in my view. Regards, Barry

Hi Kilyoung: Good. Students like to hear situations about the work setting their being prepared for. Being confident that you won't look foolish or inexperienced goes a long ways to making this technique effective. Regards, Barry

Hi Tim: Part of the key is to rely on the student learning outcomes (SLO's) and the the daily course objectives. If these have been written well, then the creative components can be developed to make the course fair, balanced, and accurate as to the learning that is going to measured. Regards, Barry

Hi Theresa: Electronic grading does have it advantages and disavantages. Entering a students performance allows instantaneous point or grade sharing. What is important (and most electronic grading systems allow for this) is the interpersonal comments, connections, and encouragement opportunities the teacher has access to. To me, without adding these comments of suuport and advice, the grades, although current are very sterile, and indirectly a reflection of me. I also use the email system to convey brief and regular comments. Regards, Barry

Hi Theresa: Class discussion are one of the best ways to reengage students. It also promotes critical thinking, confidence, competence, strengthens group dynamics, and public speaking. All from simple (organized) class discussions. Regards, Barry

Hi John: If you have a particulary well done or compprehensive syllabus, this could be used not just the the class information it contains but as an example of how to organize ideas. So the media becomes the learning experience. Same with tests. We can assess student performance, but by reviewing immediately after a test is completed, the test can become a learning tool too. (I understand some schools don't allow this practice). Nonethetheless, as teachers, we can be alert to organizational helps that are all around us to promote the idea and importance of organization and preparation. Regards, Barry

Hi Theresa: These are really great examples. I think to some degree that our senses are naturally always "on", just getting students to tune in can help tremendously. For instance, getting a student to feel the page they are reading and get used to that feel, that'll help when they're reading in class or at home. Really, hundresds of examples that could be cited. Regards, Barry

Hi Gerry: Yes, to the student, the teacher (by extension) is the school. I examine the surveys, see what the students will be asked, then go out of my way, even to the point of asking students regulary "Am I here on time on a regular basis?", or similar such questions. I reinforce what the expectations are to the degree only very disgruntled students will answer unfairly. Regards, Barry

Hi David: Personality can help if the students are open to the delivery style. If overdone, students may take it as ingenuiness, fake, or contrived. Sincerity, honesty, and no B.S. goes a long way with most students. Regards, Barry