So much harder
I find on the rare occasion that I am not fully prepared for class, that it is so much harder and stressful to manage the session. Looking back, almost always, whatever kept me from being "on my game" was not close to being worth the extra work involved in "winging-it". Be on your game. The students deserve it! They are who we are here for!
Hi Carlos:
Great example many teachers have expierenced. I think part of "Prepartion" process provides an answer for this situation.
When we're prepared, we have a plan and have gathered the resources to pull it off successfully. If there are interruptions or an abundance of student questions, good preparation means we can take those in stride, as though that was part of the plan all along.
If the delay is an abundance of student questions, wow, that'd be awesome! To me, that means the teacher succeeded in keeping the students attention and stimulated thought - I wish that could happen in every class. Seamless answering questions and then moving back to task or topic can be done when we know what we want, how to do it, and are able to make it happen.
That's the difference between mediocrity and outstanding!
Regards, Barry
Sometimes it is frustrating in being fully prepared. Even though you are clear in your plan & prepared, there always seems to be some zinger in being able to complete your class. Being prepared as I continue to learn also means leaving room for the unexpected that frustrates completion of your class. Learning to modify & re-plan always seems to be a challenge in completing the daily course information. Sometimes delivery turns out better than expected.
Sometimes it is frustrating in being fully prepared. Even though you are clear in your plan & prepared, there always seems to be some zinger in being able to complete your class. Being prepared as I continue to learn also means leaving room for the unexpected that frustrates completion of your class. Learning to modify & re-plan always seems to be a challenge in completing the daily course information. Sometimes delivery turns out better than expected.
Hi Mark:
Great point. Not being prepared is not fun - for anyone, students and teachers alike. When we're prepared, the class runs seamlessly and smooth, one topic flowing into another, resources at hand, teacher in control - great feeling. The alternative is like trying to work with a toothache, it can done, but there's little staisfaction when complete.
Regards, Barry
