Barry Westling

Alan, I agree. A good guest speaker seems to nearly always give students a boost in their interest and enjoyment in their classes. I've seen students become greatly inspired following a good guest speaker or field trip, to the degree they begin to buckle down and focus more on their students. What a great motivation and engagement activity! Barry Westling

Alan, Yes, and some extra confidence comes when we are fully aware that we can alter our planned lessons in order to address students, each with their individual needs, as being student cenetered will provide. Student outcomes should improve as well. Barry Westling

LeJean, Great. This is exactly how we can use tools such as the pretest to assist our students use their time and our time for the maximum benefit. Barry Westling

LeJean, Confidence and competence, presented through a caring, approachable instructor will get results most schools want to see. With these attributes, our students will leave with the knowledge, skills, behaviors and professionalism we desire. Barry Westling

Kara, Great! I like to meet personally whenever possible, and also frequently and early on. This establishes rapport, trust, and allows me to offer my caring suggestions if improvements are needed. I feel this adds to respect as well. Barry Westling

Jill, Good variation of a modified journal. I'm sure these notes are helpful to you. Instructors who do daily journalizing may find their personal reflection and comments give perspective, show growth, and may identify where improved performance has occurred over time. Reflection extended to the classroom is another step that can be taken, based on personal journal notes and improved student involvement can potentially result as well. Barry Westling

LeJean, Yes, respect is important, for without it students may take less interest or become less serious about their educational responsibilities. As instructors, with good preparation, we can set the tone, the attitude, the level of attention that'll be brequired for success in the class. Barry Westling

Kara, Yeah, I agree students become disinterested for a lot of reasons, and our mission is to try to recapture them. I find a surprising, unusual, or interesting story seems to nearly always bring people back into focus. If more attention is needed, discussion, or changing to a whole new activity may be needed. Getting stronger students to help weaker students is a great idea, if that fits the time available and lesson objectives. Barry Westling

Stephanie, Right. I also think personalizing the performance status discussion provides an opportunity to recognize good work, provide helpful suggestions, and encourage students whereever they are on the grade scale. Even with electronic grading, I believe personal time with the student is needed to help promote healthy one-on-one relationionships. These build mutual trust and respect. Barry Westling

Kara, Sure, being sincere and genuine always comes across much better than an artificial version of someone else. Students generally appreciate individuals they perceive as authentic. This convey trust, confidence, and competence. Barry Westling