Hey Kevin:
Back up plans are really just extensions or supplements to your regualr lesson plans. Thinking of your lessons this way gives a lot of lattitude regarding presentation timing, sequencing, and sense of the class.
Regards, Barry
Backup plans that are used along with my lectures are videos/dvds and podcasts. At times, I have had to prepare lessons which are an hour and a half long. Where as the class time is actually two hours. Therefore, I would bring in videos/dvds, as they relate to the subject matter, and have students write down specific questions base on what they have learn from these "backup" materials.
We get students from all eduational/profesional backgrounds. After giving the pretest I can determine who will need extra projects to be working on the learning outcomes of the day with the additional recipes that are available for them.
Hi Seth:
Good planning allows the flexibilty and freedom for the creativeness of the instructor to manifest. Good classes don't happen by themeselves, it takes planning, and student usually notice that.
Regards, Barry
Hi Shawna:
Sequencing instructional material can sometimes be a bit tricky, depending on the circumstances. Having good back up plans can assure the students you value their time and respect their desire for learning.
Activities that are low key, can be implemmented on short notice, are low tech, and require little resources work best. I'm thinking of class discussions, course reviews, student-led teaching of specific segments, workbook exercises, written summaries of topic-specific material, or small group discussions based on a topic given by the instructor or the textbook, or if applicable, skills practice.
Regards, Barry
I like this idea. Sounds like a good way to keep students involved and interested while having some fun learning.
I'm with Seth...I have several different "plan B's" to go to in case I need them. It's rare that I have to use them, but they are there if I need them and I feel confident going into the classroom with back-up plans in place. I also take the time to have a game or two up my sleeve if we have extra time on our hands.
Hi Jolyn:
You're very prepared! Methods to use when what was planned cannot be covered include discussion, Q&A, student-guided review, or critiquing a section from a textbook, as just a handful of exampls.
These are all low key, low tech, low maintenance activities that require little preparation but are great for engaing students in their own learning, which they're likey to remember more from anyway than some.one giving information.
Regards, Barry
I don't simply have a plan B. I also have plans C, D, E, F, and sometimes G. I know that beginning instructors are warned against overplanning, but I have enough experience to know how to pace myself. I rarely use even half of what I have planned, but it's comforting for me to know that I have other options when something doesn't seem to be working.
My students love this approach to learning. It really helps them. It also works great as a back up plan. You are just reenforcing information.
One of the backup plans I enjoy using is a game of baseball. I have the students divide into 2 equal groups. They each have to come up with questions and answers regarding the topic discussed. The team up to bat asks the other team the question. If they answer correctly they get to go to first base. This is fun because it gets the students very involved and answers alot of questions they might have.
I am prepared for every class with twice the material I need. I have multiple formats for delivery so I can adjust based on student response. I will allow a digression from the lesson plan if it can be linked to the course objectives for real life examples. It helps the students apply the content.
Hi Kent:
The out of class or field trip is a wonderful method to break up the dullness, and helps bring the focus back to task when class resumes.
Regards, Barry
Hi Melissa:
Group activities and discussions are great because they're low tech, can be done on short notice, and relate directly with what you had planned. Students don't even have to know that a change was made.
Regards, Barry
In a Culinary course, for example, some material concerning herb and spice identification can become so repetitive that breaking the students into groups helps. Perhaps they can have different starting points throughout the class room and compete to a finish line.
I always have different plans ready in case things arent going as I planned (which happens more than not) I start out with lecture because of the amount of material, but can easily switch to breaking into groups and having each group teach a section of the topic. I also have the students read through the material and write out a few questions and the answers to ask the other groups. This is a great way to review for everyone and I get to use some of the questions on tests so that I am guaranteed everyones attention! Finally, I have multiple handouts and games that can be used if I am losing them completely. They are very competitive so respond well to the games.
Hi Colleen:
Back up plans that are fun are memorable. Just need to try to keep them related to the basic topic so students don't feel like you're wasting their time.
Regards, barry
The first class I taught provided a challenge to keep them focused and engaged. So, I started creating activities for them to participate in and the more outrageous the activity, the more they liked it.
For my Anatomy class, I have found discontinued coloring/work books in book stores. I have prepared activities ahead of time for each body system. Coloring is a great learning tool and students get to let their "inner child" help them reinforce the content material.
Having backup plans is key to keeping the students focused on course content it case you can not attend. This also reinforces your organizational skills and committment.
