Barry Westling

Hi Theresa: Organized does suggest a kind of orderly way of thinking, which complements planning and preparation. Certainly, teachers who are prepared for their classes will begin with the confidence knowing they are ready to begin. Regards, Barry

Hi Gregory: There may a little bit of semantics at play here, but I get your point, and it's an accurate description of how a teacher can approach their class and instructional style. Getting students to think really takes work and diligence by all concerned. Creating that environment for learning is a worthy task for instructors to strive for. Regards, Barry

Hi Gregory: I like your emphasis on the power personality plays in relating to students. It can make the difference from just so-so instruction into Wow! I want to be the Wow kind of guy. Regards, Barry

Hi Gregory: I agree. I think the more we can individualize student instruction, the better will be the student learning outcome. Sometimes we're tied to institutional requirements that make individualizing a bit difficult. But where we have wiggle room, we should maximise it as fully as possible. Regards, Barry

Hi Gregory: Sounds like you're using a variety of media and integrating it in a good sequential order. Good job! Regards, Barry

Hi Gregory: I think you're right on track. It helps students know about the course and the teacher plan for adjustments that may be needed. Regards, Barry

Hi Joannie: Your particiaptaion category is a graded component of the whole course grade, so it really isn't extra credit. I think having an area for some subjectivity by the instructor is good, and you participation component fits that definition nicely. Regards, Barry

Hi Joannie: What also complements the "instananeous viewing of grades" is the commentary that teachers can provide to accompany just the reporting of grades. Without comments, advice, suggestions for improvement, encourage and praise, some students may not be challenged or channeled to push harder and be rewarded (through praise) for doing good work. Regards, Barry

Hi Dixie: Balancing these diversities takes an experienced juggler to manage effectively. Sounds like you know how to juggle! But your method moving ahead or staying on track is a good technique in and of itself. It's a pacing thing. Sometime, we need to make adjustments in that pace. Timing of delivery of content and keeping all engaged and participating would be a hoped-for goal. Agreed, it's not always easy. Regards, Barry

Hi Dixie: Great. When students can relate to current events and situations they have some knowledge of, they're halfway to understanding and retaining the content point being made because they're already familiar with the premise. I'll put post-it notes alongside topics in my curriculm binder to remind me what was relevant this time - maybe it will be relevant next time or not, but the post-it helps me remember. Kind of a form of tracking events in a journal. Regards, Barry