Barry Westling

Hi Luis: Good plan, Luis. We can also offer suggestions, advice, or clarify expectations to assit students achieve their highest grades. Regards, Barry

Hi Penelope: Yes, we all want to improve. The challenge is two fold. One is learning understand where improvement is needed. The second, most importantly, is the wiklingness to make the needed changes. Not all instuctors are open to pursuing both components. Regards, Barry

Hi Penelope: Good point, although not all teachers are flexible enough to give this idea the attention it deserves. They have a set curriculum. They won't vary from it one bit. So all students get the same "one size fits all" lesson, whether they learn or not. Student focused teachers create an environment that provides for each student to reach their full potential. Regards, Barry

Hi Penelope: We can learn much from our self reflection. If time is an issue, make it a part of your routine. Many instructors will make brief notes as the class is moving along. Others will commit the first 5 minutes after class to jot some notes. With a routine and a tincture of time, ideas and comments will begin to flow more fluidly. Regards, Barry

Hi Penelope: Good. Some teachers have difficulty scheduling a guest speaker because the term is short, their class time is limited, or the curriculum is full, making this great activity difficult to squeeze in. One answer is to get recent grads or even senior students who are already on campus to speak. Another idea is ask the students about potential guest speakers. Really, there are many ways to get creative if the teacher is motivated to do so. Regards, Barry

Hi Mark: When we are interested in students learning, and that requires deviating or doing something a little different, that's one way to define student focused. We may have the perfect curriculum, but like the wrong sized shoes, it just might not fit - so we have to adapt. Regards, Barry

Hi Rebecca: I like to inform my guest speaker on what the current topics are, and sometimes, I might even ask if they'll mention a certain point or two that I've been emphasising in class to reinforce it's importance. But even if that doesn't happen, usually guest speakers bring a fresh perspective and "voice" to the class that's diificult to duplicate. These events are valuable and ususally quite memorable. Regards, Barry

Ho Jo: How exciting to hear what students have to say about their field trips. I always find they are usually quite "jazzed" by this unique teaching strategy. Regards, Barry

Hi Roy: Something similar, as class is moving along, I will make notes in the margin of my notes (and sometimes the text), especially if it appears extremly beneficial or I feel I want to remember to emphsize that information at a later time or future class. regards, Barry

Hi Grace: When students realize their successful instructor came from a similar background, wow: that can be a truely inspirational and motivational revelation. Relating your past to the future careers of your students should get them focused on the purpose of being in school. Regards, Barry