syllabus off schedule
My biggest struggle was when I got off schedule from my syllabus. I could have gone through my entire syllabus as scheduled but I recognized my students struggling with the pace. I must admit it through me off quite a bit. I know I made the right decision and I think my students got the most out of what was taught.
TaKara,
This way you are offering some additional opportunities for students to get the material into their cognitive processing and stay up with the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
i do that all the time! i hate to leave students behind when its obvious that they didnt grasp the material so i slow down from time to time and throw in pop quizzes from time to time to see if i should move on.
Rose,
Good way to approach a class and to stamp your personality on it. Students do like to compare to other instructors and a lot of instructor fall in the trap of trying to replicate what the previous instructor did. That is fine if it was good but in the end each of us has to put our personality on our class and make it ours. You have done that with much success. Good job.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I had the same experience also. I came into a class a few weeks into a quartar. The former teacher was off course and had fallen behind in posting grades, filing papers, etc. As a brand new instructor with my very first class of 23, it was very challenging. But I had to view it as a exceptional learning experience I will always remember. The only thing that I had a problem with was that the students kept reminding me that Miss. So-n-so didn't do it that way. So that is when I realized this in my class now and I set my standards and stuck to them and everything went well.
VALERIE,
Good point and one that needs to be remembered as changes are made so the students feel they know exactly what is expected of them at all times.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
While it is sometimes necessary to be flexible with the syllabus, many students end up feeling like they have missed out on important content. Maintaining a balance is important.
Melanie,
Good point. Disruptions occur and we have to accommodate them through planning and restructuring of your delivery. You are doing so and yet are able to keep the course moving forward.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have been off course due holidays or unexpected days off. it can be frustrating, but as long as you dont try to cram everything in just to catch up...the students respect you and can still be successful.
Lilia,
Good example of how proper planning helps you be able to be flexible when needed, which seems like is needed every time you teach.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It through me off to be off the plan but being flexible and getting back to the plan as quickly as possible brought me back around.
I agree with your statement. I feel that the plan in place was comprehensive but I notice that for the student the amount of new material overwhelmed the student. Solution..still working on it but
The outline covered all the points so the student has to use the more outside class time or tutorial time to help keep up with all the material.
Deborah,
Been there and have done that. Not a good way to move into a program. Sounds like you are making it through and that your students are learning. Just think how great it will be when you start and finish a course that you have been in charge of throughout the entire term.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I came into a program about three-quarters of the way through the term. The class was way off the syllabus- the(many)fill-in instructors were all over the place on what they presented to the students, apparently teaching the sections they preferred or were more comfortable with over what the syllabus showed. This proved to be quite a challenge for me as a new instructor. I'm doing the best I can to get to where they should be on the syllabus and get them through the remainder of this term. At the same time I'm trying to give them a sense of security now that they have a "permanent" instructor, that I do care about them, and want to see them succeed not only in this class but in their chosen path.
If you run off schedule for some reason, try to make like it was already planned or figured in to the flow of the class.
Kiofa,
You need to be flexible based upon the needs of your students. By changing the pace and flow of your class you were able to keep your students engaged and this is a key element of being a good teacher. Your syllabus is a guide to keep the class moving forward but you can step away from it as needed just as you did for the good of the students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
