Barry Westling

Barry Westling

About me

Activity

Hi Chanel: True, we lead by example. We give assignments and activities, and expect our students to be prepared - then we grade them. I wonder if students should grade teachers every class day? For instance, what if every day we were graded on the following characteristics? • Organized, prepared, approachable • Enthusiastic, courteous, respectful • Prepared, organized, ready for class • Created excitement and desire to learn • Able to answer all student questions • Made me feel good about learning the material • Today's lesson was meaningful and helpful • I feel I am more prepared for my… >>>

Hi Karen: A couple of keys I emphasize is: * Fequent interaction (electronic or in person) * Always be positive and offer suggestions and advice to improve the grade * Use every opportunity to encourage and support * Be willing to listen, even if there is not a concrete answer * To the degree that's reasonable, be natural, personalable, and approachable * Be willing to discuss personal (non-class related) topics if the student is willing to share Basically, we want to convey we care and we're there to help them be successful. Regards, Barry
Hi Karen: To some degree, good teachers are always trying out new techiques or introducing new approaches. I think when it's successful, we planned well. But misses are important too - they allow us to examine what could be improved or why did we not connect. I would rather try and fail than provide boring, "same-old" delivery instruction. We really ought to facilitate learning, rather than provide it. This means experimenting with how we can get the student to participate in their own learning. It does some require some degree of trial and error. Regards, Barry
Hi Karen: You've developed and modified your approach to involve your students with variety and engagement. Students will always learn better in this environment. Regards, Barry
Hi Karen: I agree this activity is extremely valuable and (my belief) is used less that could be by many teachers. But students enjoy it, benefit from it, and can even be inspired to try harder to perform in class when they realize they will sometime soon be expected to perform in a similar work setting. I like your comment about the teamwork and cooperation among peers and workers. Very good. Regards, Barry
Hi Brent: While all classes are different and have different student outcomes, in general, the more variety and engagement by students related to the topic will result in improived student learning outcomes. Some have access to lots of resources, and other are limited. As teachers, we have to be creative and use what we have available. Regards, Barry
Hi Brent: Respecting and valuing every student can only result in a better learning envirnonment becasue the students realize we're there for them. They trust. Regards, Barry
Hi Andrew: Good, and I agree that we can help more of our students when we can utilize all of our known abilities to the maximum. As educators, we should always be strive for self improvement - truely, this is a lifelong pursuit. Regards, Barry
Hi Penelope: Good examples. Even with at-home study, more senses used result in better retention. Associating past pleasant sensory stimuli with current study can help students retain essential material. Of course, this works in the classroom as well. Regards, Barry
Hi Penelope: I like to simply by stating SLO's are the "what" of a class, course objectives are the "how", and the daily lessons are the "when and where". Not exactly accurate, but I think it conveys the point. Regards, Barry

End of Content

End of Content