Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Hi Rhonda: A simple way I sometimes explain my point of view is "Learning" vs "Teaching". We attempt to achieve both for our students. But we may teach great and have an awesome lesson, but if learning has not occurred, we have missed the mark. If, however, the student learns what they need and we facilitated that, maybe even in a nontraditional manner, then I think we've been successful. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Hi Mike: Many teachers would agree with your opinion. I tend to agree with the rationale that if if the material is important and needed, then it ought to be included in the required course grading criteria. Another example: workers don't get an opportunity for extra credit when they miss assignments at work. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing instructional backup plans

Hi Christine: Having your PPT handouts is a great example of a good back-up plan. So often, especially with technolgy, difficulties can be frequent. The biggest thing about having a back up plan is when it's needed, it'll be viewed as invaluable, in a "saved the day" kind of way. That's really where it's benefit will become apparent. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Robert: Well and good. We also want to show how improvements can occur, as much as inform of their current standing. Teachers who encourage, are supportive and patient, and display a caring attitude will usually get better responses from their students, who then may be more motivated to try harder because they sense their teacher cares about their successfulness. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Robert: Yes, and the more we can determine where they may be general weaknesses in the whole class, or even specific student deficiencies, the better our planning for improved student outcomes will result. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Goal of educating students

Hi Robert: Probably most of our students are involved with vocational-type training. So, life long learning might be a challenge. Knowing how to stay current, where to get information, continuing education, and following changing trends would seem to be part of that mission to teach life long learning. To me, our goal is to give them all we can about the profession or work setting and assure they get the proper skill training to assist them securing a satisfying job. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Hi Andrew: Perfect example of determining what's needed to make the class run smoother for you, and assit the students to perform better. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using a teaching journal

Hi Scott: I think this is fine, and any kind of record keeping technique is better than none at all. Some just like to journalize because their comments are more indicative of feelings and perceptions, things that one might reflect on at a later date. I use post it notes, and if I find that information is useful the next go around or two, I'll just encorpotrate it into the regular planned curriculum. Understand that some notes pertain to very topical material, and after a while, lose their applicability to the course. That's just how I choose to do it.… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Hi Mary: Inforamtion always helps. Nothing is more frustrating than being in the dark, or having that awful feeling of of not having a clue about...whatever. Giving assitance students can use, and offering support and encouragement will be received well. And if presented with patience and care, the pressure of "being under the gun" can be minimized. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Hi Mary: I'm sure this has happened to many others on numerous occassions. Planning ahead, kind of like a budget, is only a plan, and can subject to many factors that interfere with it's fruition (Life is the thing that gets in the way of our plans - John Lennon). Even with current planning, there can be planning interrutions, delays, or conflicts that challenge getting through all of the material, covering the intended course content, or coming up short. So, it's always a bit of trial and error. Good teachers will make what, to us is a planning conflict, seem… >>>