Barry Westling

Alicia, Right. We want to help our students, and usually have a predetermined curriculum planned. But if we can gain some insight into a students prior learning, we can customized our curriculum to better assist our students achieve the course objectives. Barry Westling

Alan, Super!, Really, any information we collect about our students from using a pretest is useful. We may be looking for one thing, and learn something more than we were expecting. Any knowledge about our students prior learning is a helpful tool. Barry Westling

Alicia, Yes, providing the knowledge and skills, along with the professional attributes needed for success will contribute to the preparation for work, and perhaps assist in students' personal lives as well. Barry Westling

Donna, First off, journals are generally highly personal, even in their organization and structure. However, I can say one might want to enter thoughts according to subject matter, topics from class, sessions within the year, or categories, such as observations, improvements, and wants and needs. One big benefit is in reflection over time while reviewing past journal entries. Barry Westling

Alicia, We are role models for professionalism, and being prepared is one example that's visible to students. We owe our students the duty of being ready for class (even if they are not). Barry Westling

Alan, Right. Students really want and need order. Without adequate preparation, a well organized class is not likely. Barry Westling

Holly, Each instructor needs to decide if points outweigh the learning the grade is supposed to represent. EC is controversial. I just try to do what's in the best interest of the student. Barry Westling

Holly, Nice work! As instructors, part of our job is to personalize our connection with our students. There are all kinds of pretesting versions. You've given a good example of an effective variation. This helps create a sense the instructor is down to earth and genuine in their presence in the classroom and delivery of course material. Barry Westling

Holly, Great! I think all instructors have "story-telling" and "engagement" aspects in our instructor persona, for some, one type is perhaps a bit more dominant. The important point is recognizing how we are and how we are perceived, and using that for the benefit of our students. Barry Westling

Holly, Sine the PTA's probably have clinical experiences, a suggestion for a guest speaker for English might be a medical records specialist, a hospital discharge planner (who could spek to the importance of clear and accurate charting), or possibly even an attorney. Of course, you could ask the PTA program director to give the names of local PT managers who might be willing to come and speak also. Really, the possibilities are limited only to your imagination. Barry Westling