Barry Westling

Hi John: I agree some teachers use a journal for that purpose. Really, it can be used for anything the teacher wants to remember for later, reflect on, or perhaps reference for future reseach. Even feelings, emotions, or perceptions about personal matters (related to the class, students, or insdtitution) can be added if desired. Regards, Barry

Hi John: Yeah, it's great when our efforts pan out in the right direction. And that's more likely to happen when we are willing to adjust our curriculum or lesson plans in order to better meet our studenmts needs to assist them succeding in class. Of course we still need to meet the course objectives and stutdent learning outcomes. But there are many ways to deliver our lessons and still meet the objectives. When we connect with the student, we are practicing student centered learning. Regards, Barry

Hi Marshall: You've made a good point. Good students will be motivated to try harder when they see where their status is. The frequency of sharing is inportant too. Even if we just visit, that helps strengthen the relationship. The student will be more open to suggestions and advice when they feel comfortable with their teacher. Regards, Barry

Hi Mark: Lots of excellent examples. When we convey all we have as teachers, good students will take that preparation, and take further. That's the difference in just teaching vs students learning. So, if our goal is to teach, that's just a job and there may not be any positive outcome. But as educators, that suggests we have taught and students have learned. And because of that, they use their knowldge in ways that help make our world a beeter place to live. Regards, Barry

Hi Timothy: I agree credibility can be at risk when teachers arrive or appear unprepared. No one wants that. Students should trust that their teacher knows their stuff and is always ready to deliver. Even if it takes more or less time, or when things go or don't go as planned. When we're prepared, we can "take the ball and run with it". Regards, Barry

Hi Timothy: Very succinct, and I agree. I think you've provided an accurate definition. Regards, Barry

Hi Timothy: Course objectives are a form of pretesting - that is, they describe to a student what they should learn. But the evaluation of what they know about it at beginning is quite subjective and unmeasured (except in the mind of the student). Therefore, by pretesting, both the student and teacher get a perspective about where the level of fore knowledge on the topic exists. Also, based on test results, the teacher can modify, "tweak", or consider alterations to their lesson plans knowing student may need more attention in certain areas more than others. Regards, Barry

Hi Timothy: Yes, this is a very important component of students succeeding in a course. Besides academic progress (grades, points, etc), we can also help by giving suggestions and advice, clarifying, and commenting to assure instructor expectations. We can also offer encouragement, reassurance, and just be a caring individual to help instill trust and reinforce the connection (relationship) between the the student and teacher. Regards, Barry

Hi Susan: I think we all learn from seeing the good and successful deeds our peers and teachers present to us as the right and professional way to act and behave. So, in steps, a little each day, we have the opportunity to refine and shape our students into models for others to learn from. Regards, Barry

Hi Susan: Yes, unless we give all we have, we will be limiting the next generation. I agree our goal is to do all we can to convey our knowledge and experiences in order to assist the students in becoming and doing better than we did. Regards, Barry