Magdalena,
Thank you for sharing this with us. To make the task less intimidating, you should ask the instructor if you can assist with creating the plans...perhaps for a portion of the course. With this opportunity you would be able to implement your idea for the journal activity, which would give the experience of seeing how it will work for your future students.
Tremayne Simpson
As a teacher's assistant, i have seen other instructors plan and prepare for classes and i have to admit it looks a little intimidating. i have ambittions to teach eventually and its rewarding to learn about this before hand. in the event of developing a lesson plan id like to add that the students fill out a daily journal for the course. this could be used as a tool, to help the students stay engaged, and could help the instructor better understand where the student might need help etc..
John,
Unfortunately, this is a common occurance at many institutions. You have probably done this already, however it is a good idea to connect with a previous instructor, review the course textbook and instructor resources and ask your program director to provide you with any previous lesson plans/syllabi for the course. In addition, during the term take copius notes on each daily session and use your notes/questions to review for the next time that you teach the class.
Tremayne Simpson
I have been given a class with no notice and no time to prepare. I had to make up a plan as I went along, no fun at all.
Germain,
I agree completely. In fact, I plan the first few minutes of class as a general "reflection" activity. In this reflection activity, I give the students an opportunity to ask questions about homework, the previous class or to discuss current events that are either directly or indirectly related to the course. Sometimes these discussions can deviate from the planned topics, however I find that it is a good way to get the students "mentally" prepared for class.
Tremayne Simpson
Tina,
These are great methods for approaching a new course. In addition, it is important meet with other instructors that have taught the course, to hear about their experiences with the class.
Tremayne Simpson
Assuming you have the latitude to introduce material that is outside the scope of the standard class, you have the time to do so, the new material complements the standard course and takes it to a higher level, and students aren't frustrated by "off-topic" discussion, that's a good idea. In addition, there are occasions when students are so distracted by dramatic events outside the classroom that they need time at the beginning of class to reflect and work through some of it...or just vent a bit...before they can refocus onto the task at hand.
What happens when I start teaching a new subject; I first review the old lesson plan if one is available, the second activities I do is try to make a lesson plan of my own after reviewing the material from the manual.
After I complete a new lesson plan I review the information for each chapter and make a powerpoint to help the student to have an overview of what I am going to teach.
Next I time the powerpoint presentation so I am able to plan other activities throughout the semester to help the student comprehend all the objective to complete the course in a timely manner.
Donna,
This is an important observation, especially when the course that you teach does not fall within the student's career focus. As a General Education instructor, I always have to find ways that students can adapt my assignments to their individual majors. It is a creative challenge, however I find that the students typically put forth more effort with the assignments.
Tremayne Simpson
Donna,
This is an important observation, especially when the course that you teach does not fall within the student's career focus. As a General Education instructor, I always have to find ways that students can adapt my assignments to their individual majors. It is a creative challenge, however I find that the students typically put forth more effort with the assignments.
Tremayne Simpson
Penuel,
When teaching a course for the first time, it is important to have a reflective review of each activity and make notes on how it well it worked with your students. When you find that a particular activity was favorably accepted, you can revise your lesson plans to make room for additional activities that will produce the same results. "Student-centered" learning generally can produce good results for both the student and instructor.
Tremayne Simpson
I would try to plan some fun activities that show the students the relevancy of the subject to their major.
If I am teaching a subject for the first time, I am a bit anxious. Having a plan for an activity can change the pace of the class and take me out of the spotlight.
David,
Thank you for posting this discussion thread. It is important that instructors have flexibility in their lesson plans, so that they can account for the "impromptu" discussions, "teachable moments" and activities that are detrimental to the learning experience.
Tremayne Simpson
