Skip,
Gems and pearls of wisdom are spoken of here. I agree and believe one has had to be there (as you have) to recognize and understand as you do. Great!
Barry Westling
Number 1 - As the instructor gains more experience in a particular subject it becomes a lot easier for any instructor to shift gears quickly... I honestly believe it can take several years to really tune-in the course content...
To be a master-teacher you need to continually evaluating course content...
I am always re-evaluating my course content - while building up an arsenal of class-projects... Even after several years I try to look at what is working and where I can make changes...
Many projects are tested and then evaluated and over-time the instructor gathers more curriculum... (and if organized) the instructor can reach into the saved project files and use them as needed in the future...
As each week passes I create a folder with the project files used - this provides me a roadmap for future classes... In some classes I have more class projects than I can count - which ultimately allows me to make quick changes based upon the rhythm of each class...
anthony,
Worksheets are great. Also, a list for topics for small group discussion often works. A lot of instructors will just show a video or DVD. Although that can fill the time, unless it's directly related to the subject matter, it's really a waste of time. Reviewing past material, outlining chapters, presenting to the class, or moving to a activity like a lab or demonstration are better activities than a video. Even sharing work-related stories of past (good and bad) experiences can be effective because it relates to the subject, is easy to implemment, can be instituted on short notice, and keeps the students interested and focused.
Barry Westling
I keep worksheets for use in groups and activities to use for a change in instruction or if I have extra time.
Demarcus,
The good thing about videos is they're handy. On the otherhand, videos can be lengthly and not specific to the daily lesson. Of course, some video's are exactly perfect for the topic as "the main attraction".
Barry Westling
I have a list of online videos prepared in case I sense I need to change the instructional method or in case I cover the lecture material more quickly than I anticipated.
Hi Jonathan,
Every day more and more information is available through internet websites. Our library provides access to subscription only websites that provide links to valuable information not accessible to the general public. And, they are scholastic and safe to use.
Barry Westling
I have favorite websites that I can visit with material that continues the discussion.
Hi Debra,
Games are good stuff. It can break up a learning session, add variety, and keep the students interested and focused.
Barry Westling
Hi Debra,
Students learn differents ways, and games, although usually low key, can be a means of stimulating thought and add a degree of career perspective to the class, and also add variety to break up the class session. Usually, good stuff. My caution: using them just to fill time and not related to the course or subject matter.
Barry Westling
Hi Laura,
Great! Experienced teachers have learned what works and what seems like it might have worked but failed to deliver. Perhaps, that's why they call someone expierenced as one who has a history of mistakes behind them!
Barry Westling
Games are the student's favorite activity. I really love that is addressed in this course
Games are the student's favorite activity. I really love that is addressed in this course
I have a "bag of tricks" for each class. This is obviously attained by the years of teaching. This is helpful because everyone learns differently. I have many different ways to teach the same thing.
Hi David:
Real-world scenarios are a great way to draw the many components of a topic together.
Regards, Barry
Hi Thomas,
Good point. We should think of back up plans for whatever is planned is not available, which could include students needing a different approach at a time when their focus is diminished.
Barry Westling
Back up plans are importantwhen the student are seen frustrated during the class
Hi Timothy,
Back up plans can be life savers. As we become more technological with media delivery there is a greater chance delays or unavailable resources might occur. Electrical shortages or power outages complicate everything. Moving to another room that is unfamiliar. Mechanical teaching aids that fail to function. Running out of some needed substance (gas, chemical, liquid), or supply item. These few mentioned Murphy's have happened with me and in most cases it was not because I didn't prepare beforehand - things just happen.
I recommend back up plans that are low tech, related to the general topic, can be pulled off the shelf or implemmented with little notice, and contribute to a meaningful instructional session so student feel the teacher is not just filling time. Review of recent lessons, class, individual or group discussions, or practice worksheets are a couple of examples that have worked effectively for me in the past.
Barry Westling
This is the subject where I have seen so many instructors fail in. Not just in College or military courses but you see it in today's schools. Teachers do not plan for "Murphy". I apologize for using Murphy's name in vain but I have learned that if anything could go wrong it will. And I also know that Murphy was an Optimist. It is interesting that instructors and teachers do not have a plan for ; what if I am sick or a student is sick or both. What if I am called out for jury duty or an appointment. When I first began substituting for school districts I wa overwhelmed by the lack of planning and the dreaded substitute curse. Students loved having a sub because they could get away with anything and then blame the sub. I had the opportunity to sub at my son's school recently and one of the first things I did was to meet with the teacher a couple of days prior to see what they were teaching and what they wanted me to teach. In essance I was asking for their lesson plan. Both days went off without problems.
As far as changing directions in mid course, having a backup plan would simplify the situation. If you have a guest speaker scheduled the instructor should have a plan as to what they could do if there is a cancellation. Rescheduling one speaker for another would help too. Or have a secondary speaker available just in case. The same goes for AV materials. Screening and evaluating your plans whould be a must at the end of each class as well.
My back up plans typically include a visual componenet of what the activity would look like in the field. For example, if I am teaching patient flow through an office and students are getting bored or off topic, we quickly assign patient roles and "walk" through the process as a group.
