Managing Time for Class Preparation
In my self-analysis, I realized I coming to class five minutes early does not allow for all of the preparation required to set up for the day. I like to have my class topic and objectives written on the board before students arrive, and most days I am bombarded with questions before I get a chance to set my books down. There goes my five minute lead! I also take my 18-month old to daycare every morning, and it is not always a predictable process. I need to create more time in the morning, so I will try the 30-day behavior to habit rule and get out of bed as soon as I am awake every day, instead of hitting the "snooze" button.
What are some successful techniques that you use to carve out more time to prepare for class?
Shelby,
I completely understand where you are coming from. I recently started teaching and for my first few classes I was only coming in a few minutes prior to the start of class. I never seemed to be ready to start on time and it got to a point that my students were showing up later, cutting down on the class time.
I had to rearrange my schedule in order to get into the classroom earlier. I found that not only where the students coming on time again, but I felt more prepared and could take the time to greet them as they came in.
My biggest strategy to carve out more time for class was to tell myself that even though my class started at 8:00 am, I needed to be there 15 minutes early. It has helped tremendously! i hope you are able to find ways to do the same!
Patricia,
One method is to ask the class, "who thinks they can answer that for Susie?" This helps keep the answer short and to the point, and also let's the instructor provide additional clarification if needed. Sometimes students want more than the instructor has time for. In this instance, I'll suggest the student meet during office hours or general tutoring sessions.
Barry Westling
I like the idea of asking the question at next class period if you have any questions from previous covered material. How should you respond if they want you to review the entire lecture again.
Kim,
Conveying that "my time is your time" can be a great refuge for students if they are struggling. Knowing that their instructor is willing and available to assist at times apart from regular class can bring comfort and diminish frustration.
Barry Westling
I also address personal questions after class and begin every class by asking if anyone has questions from the last class. I emphasize to the students that understanding from class to class in important due to the building blocks.
James,
Asking for questions at the outset is a wonderful practice to maintain. I've found if the question requires more in-depth explanation, I'll ask that the student(s) stay after class, or come to me during office hours for more individualized assistance.
Barry Westling
In regards to the specific problem of being bombarded with questions before class, I simply open each class with "Does anyone have any questions from our last class?" I also let students know at the outset that personal issues will be addressed after class, not before. You will undoubtedly need to remind them of this from time to time. Just be polite and keep getting ready to start.
Shelby,
For some routine, non-secure items, can students assist? Along the same lines, could you write out what you want written on the white board, then have one of your students actually transfer that information to the board? More and more, I am having students do work that I normally do with the reasoning that I am the facilitator, not necessarily the doer of all things. I think the time when the instructor stood and lectured is largely disappearing. This is not to say that we can forego our responsibilities, but we can also learn to work smart.
Barry Westling
