Planning
A good instructor should take approximately an hour plus to prepare for each class. While they may know the material class presentation may be different based on the student population. Review the the material prior to class enable the instructor to be better prepared to meet the challenges of the class.
Failure to prepare ahead could result in materials being covered a second in error. The instructor is there to help the students develop an understanding of the course material failure to do so result in students not understanding information and course failure.
Hi David,
Good point about the need for proper planning and organization. This helps you to have more confidence as you approach the classroom as well as being able to manage the learning environment better.
Gary
Yes, planning is essential, even if you've taught a course repeatedly. I've had sessions where things went very smoothly and others where the students were more informed coming into the class - so the calibre of the questions as well as their expectations were higher … and they do know if you're "bluffing."
You don't want to say, "I don't know" - especially for something that is within the scope of your course.
Planning also helps me present things in their proper order so although the material may be challenging students are not confused by disorganization on my part.
Hi,
Failure to plan has major consequences!! We don't want our students seeing up unprepared. How can we lead if you aren't together yourself!
I make sure all my material is avaialable and flows well with the topics and content.
I would never want to be out of control in the classroom. Prep time is the most important aspect of facilitating.
Gary,
I like the idea of flagging the material. It gives the student a model to follow when studying.It also encourages them to do the reading. Great idea.
Erie
Hi Erie,
This is a good point about knowing where the material is in the textbook. I bring my textbook to class and occasionally will hold it up when I am referring to it. I have a number of different colored tabs located throughout the text that the students can plainly see. This visual effort impresses them because they know I know what is in the text. I don't read from the text but I do refer to it and this increases the value of it to the students. The figure if I value the content they had better value it as well.
Gary
Proper planning prepares the instructor for student questions. If the instructor is familiar with the location of material in the text, he/she can reference the correct answers to the text quite easily.
