Being able to switch directions in real time
Sometimes i have a hard time sacrificing part of my lesson when other parts go over on time. I am afraid that i am sometimes rushing material and not covering it adequately. Other times i have too much time. It remains a challenge for me.
Rick,
Review applies the principle of repetition, and like practice and rehearsal, hones material and helps cement the material to memory.
Barry Westling
Good point. I have with certain classes found 10 minutes extra on the back end and although I asked for questions everyone had already asked their questions and had them answered. Reviewing could be a good thing to do as a second run through might allow them to see it from a different angle.
Elliot,
Also, review is always an effective use of time (too much OR too little). It's a rare student that catches on to everything on the first round.
Barry Westling
I usually budget my time with some "wiggle room"; a 50 minute teaching session I will usually have 40 minutes of instruction. This works in both situations you point out.
If you are feeling rushed, you have a 10 minute cushion.
If you have too much time, I have the extra ten minutes as examples for the lesson, or personal event situations which I can insert if I feel I am covering things too quickly.
Jason,
Some instructors structure their class so that the absolute most important material is presented first, with the "nice to know" material, albeit important, is left for the latter part of class so that if time runs short, at least the most essential material has not been compromised. I try to include a practical aspect to lessons whenever possible. But this can be sacrificed if runs short. Alternatively, the practical application can be scheduled as the "need to know" portion on another day.
Barry Westling
