Barry Westling

Hi Jaclyn: True statements. Many teachers have such busy schedules that being able to visit students before class is a challenge. Yet, this time is so valuable. If it gets occupied by a hetic teacher trying finish up making copies, reading/answering emails, etc., that shortens the potential time that could be available to answer student questions, or at the very least, just connect with individual students to build stronger relationships. Regards, Barry

Hi Susan: For me, student learning outcomes are something specific. They are the "WHAT" of a course. That is, what is it that the student will have learned at completion. Along those lines, I think of course objectives as the "HOW", or how the SLO's will be achieved. Regards, Barry

Hi Susan: As subject matter experts (SME's), we are perfectly situated to share all that we have learned and facilitate clkasses that are graed towards students reaching the highest levels possible in the specific subject being taught. When we focus it on the work setting, that preapres students even better for employment. Regards, Barry

Hi Susan: I like that approach...direction. Most all our courses have objectives and outlines, whole curriculum that is just dandy. But if students don't learn from that, then we've missed the mark. So, for me, student centered is really individualizing instruction as much as possible to assist and achieve full performance by all students. The key is to be willing to get off track from the main curriculum if that's what it takes to get the student to learn. Regards, Barry

Hi Kiarra: True, assessment of student learning and teacher performance can be analyzed based on discussing student status. When this is done frequently, a process is established that is more linked to success than possibility. Regards, Barry

Hi Melanie: All institutions and intructors need to come up with a policy that fits their culture and preferences. I always try to relate school and program polices as close to worker and employer expectations as possible. Usuall, ther's no extra credit in the workplace, but there are tolerences for varying degrees of compliance. So it really comes down to what you and your school is willing to adopt and enforce. Regards, Barry

Hi David: I agree and underscore that expectations can play an important role in student performance. By sharing what is expected, and having a plan to sequencially follow through, the students will begin to expect "this is how this class goes" and they'll be better positioned to study, participate, and ultimately, learn the required material. Regards, Barry

Hi John: This seems very like a very profound statement! One way a student can determine whether they've learned or mastered the required material is to teach it to others. Any gaps or blank spaces that come up - that identifies where more work is needed. Regards, Barry

Hi John: Continuous improvement will always help benefit our students. Student centered can be very comprehensive or simple. Basically, the idea is to use our resources, curriculium, and abilities to tailor student learning to benefit the student. In other words, rather than the student following our predetermined plan, student centered develops a plan using the resources we have available. It's about learning, vs grades, points, and tests. Regards, Barry

Hi Richard: You"ve identified several very important "errors" or problems that can occur without the proper resources and planning. I don't think this is limited to newer teachers either. Even experienced teachers can get bogged down if they're not careful. Good post, Richard. Regards, Barry