Barry Westling

Hi James: Sure. It makes sense to more preparation where our weaker areas might be. Sometimes a teacher may not be awrae they have a need (blind spot) so until that's identified, the weakness will remain. Being open to opposing viewpoints, peer review, even sitting in another's class for a time can open the eyes of someone who is blind to one particular area. Unless they see it and they are willing change, it won't be realized. Regards, Barry

Linda: Yes, I agree when a student feels they are being regularly informed it produces more confidence. We can inhance that by being positive offering encouragement, suggestions for improvement, and just genuinely interested in helping the student. We want the student to feel we care about their success. Regards, Barry

Gordon: Whenever students are busy, engaged, and participating in their own learning, they're going to do better. Your point is a good one. Regards, Barry

Bruno: To me pretests can give th eteacher an idea where there students are currently performing. It may give a clue to how students might do on a "real" test that counted for a grade, and also helps the teacher plan out any adjustments they may need to make in order to better match their student needs. Regards, Barry

Hi Nicole: All very good attributes that describe student centered teachers. How it's done is multifacited. The real key is the shift from being institutional or curriculum based to student-based in focus, attention, and effort. Are we there to teach our curriculum, or are we there to assure the student learns? That's the difference. Of course we have to follow the course objectives, but how we do that defines the amount of "shift" a teacher is able to modify for the student to become the center of focus. Regards, Barry

Amanda: Good post. I think students like stories and when you can relate something from your past or work experience to the course, it's likely to be remembered and the information retained. I also think a real key is to learn to be natural, which will come off as smooth and confident. Trying to act or teach, or project something we're not won't be effective as just being ourselves, in whatever version that comes in! Regards, Barrfy

Amanda: Wow! Great example. Using senses with studying, writing papers, discussions can also utilize sense to inhance the learning process (in other words, not just in class or when demonstrating). Regards, Barry

Amanda: Good students are always interested in their status; while all students should be interested. Establishing a regular pattern abd frequency will increase the attention of students. Also, we use this time to be genuinely kind and courteous, encouraging and helpful, basically showing the student we care about their succes. Regards, Barry

Hi Joyce: A good plan is just , a plan. We may modify or adjust, but through good planning, we should strive to meet the daily goals. Well written classes taught by experienced teachers should be able to accomondate both. Regards, Barry

Hi Kimberly: Respect does come, almost as a side effect of just caring and showing genuine care and concern for students. I think they can sense when the teacher is really trying to help, and they'll appreciate that. There are many faces to student-centered learning. Regards, Barry