PLANNING AND PREPARATION
PLANNING AND PREPARATION IS A NECESSITY FOR TEACHING SKILL'S .IF YOU'RE PREPARED FOR CLASS DISCUSSION ABOUT THE SUBJECT MATTER THE STUDENT'S FEEL THAT YOU CARE ABOUT WHAT YOUR ARE DOING AS A INSTRUCTOR
I agree, being prepared is a necessity, but having actual hands on experience with the subject matter lets the students know that, not only do you care, it also gives you credability.
Hi Charles,
Good point. This is one of the great things about being an instructor we get to teach about a subject we love to individuals that are going to learn about it while getting paid. Doesn't get any better than that.
Gary
Planning and preparation is perhaps more aligned with how interested an instructor is in the topic than his/her interest in teaching. It is indeed the subject matter as it relates to reality that has driven and continues to drive many professors into deeper levels of research on the subject.
To prepare for a class can then be seen as more an extension of the research and interest a professor has in an subject. Although the professor's students may be important to him or her, it may indeed be the subject matter that is closest to his/her heart. Planning and preparation for class therefore may be more a sign of respect for the discipline he/she has spent their lives focused on than otherwise considered.
I find when I have thoroughly planned out my lecture and learning activities that my classes run more smoothly and with a lot more fun and participation too.
Students can tell if you are not prepared for class. I think it would be just imbarassing not being prepard for class if you can help it. Granted there are those times when you are thrown in to sub and have to wing it. You just need to make the best of it and try to read your students reactions to things.
Hi Sylton,
This is a really tough situation to be put in. Sounds like you did a good job with the time you had to get ready for the class. There is no real solution in terms of preparation when you have a class "dropped" on you at the last minute. What you do when this happens is pause a minute, take a deep breath and then do the best you can.
A good thing that comes out of this is that you will know more about what to do if and when this happens to you again.
Gary
Segmenting is a great idea Gary but what do you do when you find out 1 hour prior to class that you will be teaching. I did get through it but could'nt help but feel like someone didn't get all I had to offer due to lack of prep time.
I would agree with your statement. Also being an adjunct and sub today I was literally thrown into a situation with barely 1 hour to prep. Miraculously it went well.
Hi Debra,
This seems to be true for many adjuncts. The key is to take one part of the course and focus on developing it and then move onto another part. It is much like answering the question of "How do you eat an elephant?" Answer: "One bite at a time." By segmenting the course you are able to enhance the course even though you aren't on campus or online in a full time capacity.
Gary
I found that preparation is difficult as a part-time adjunct. It seems like being at the facility offers structure and helps with staying focused during preparation time.
I agree. You are also setting an example that you care about them and the college. When you are not prepared you make the college and yourself look incompatent. They need to know that the instructor cares about them and the college to have a good learning experience.
