Hi Sharon,
So true. It is our professional obligation to come to class prepared and ready to teach our content.
Gary
Must always be prepared for the unexpected. A well planned lesson plan will always have a back-up plan for unexpected changes. There is always a plan B when plan A cannot be implemented.
The student is spending a lot of their own time in class, the last thing they want to do is stay in a class when the instructor is not prepared.
Hi Jason,
Thank you for these words about preparation and the advantages of being prepared. We all know it but need to be reminded of it now and then.
Gary
I do think that things run much smoother when I am prepared for class even when the unexpected happens. It does allow for the students to ask questions but I have learned, there still must be limitations on questions and answers. I do like the idea about having the students write the questions down on an index card or something for a later time. I can also take up the index cards with the questions and I can include the answers in my lecture the next day.
I do think that things run much smoother when I am prepared for class even when the unexpected happens. It does allow for the students to ask questions but I have learned, there still must be limitations on questions and answers. I do like the idea about having the students write the questions down on an index card or something for a later time. I can also take up the index cards with the questions and I can include the answers in my lecture the next day.
I know from personal experience the classes that I preped verus the classes I tried to wing it had very different feels to them. When I was prepared I did not mind questions and I was able to easily elaborate on subjects.
Hi Stephanie,
I agree about the need for extensive planning. It is so much easier to plan when you are getting ready for the class rather than walking down the hall to enter the class. I have faculty members that are in the copy room 5 minutes before class running handouts so they will have something to teach from. I can't stand pressure like that nor is it professional.
Gary
I think that early and comprehensive planning is vital for instructional success. I think an instructor need to be prepared by careful planning, being a visionary, and having reliable resources in order to successfully lead and guide the students in the right direction to meet the objectives and the goals intended.
Early planning enables the instructor to provide the most accurate and up to date information to the students. Early planning also reduces the possibility of missing an important component of the material.
So you can be better prepared for those unexpected events. If you have a daily goal and checklist of events/toics you will be covering both yourself and your students will benefit. You never know what may come up on any given day, ie. power outage, computer failure, severe weather, as long as you know what you are covering, have handouts, homework, quizzes prepared, class will proceeed as normal. This also reinforces to the students (who see that you have everything under control) that preparation for workplace duties is critical to always doing your best.
It is important to have all of the details of the course worked out in advance so that there are no surprises that surface when teaching. The more complete the preparation the more competent you will appear in front of a class and will be able to provide the information in a smooth and flowing manner.
Hi David,
Good reminder about letting the student know and observe how you feel about having the opportunity to instruct them. These are key points in the development of respect and rapport between instructors and students.
Gary
Hi Jumana,
Good way to stay on top of your instructional planning and delivery.
Gary
I feel that early planning helps me to reach the daily goals I have for my classes. It also shows my students that I truly care about their success in my class asa well as shows them the benefits of professional work habits. Without a succinct plan, students may get the perception that we as instructors are here for just a paycheck, rather than here to help students become sucessful.
Preplanning for the coarse is very important to me because I check after wach class to see if I want over teh material I needed to for that day. Also it keeps me on track and I don't forget to pass on important information to the students. If there was no preplanning I think I would be lost.
By, Edwardo Mojena
A professor being prepared can save you lots of time when unexpected problems that can arise. Prepared shows the students a professional style that they will learn and also use in their professional world one day.
Hi Melanie,
Good points about the need for a well prepared instructor in a class. Plan B needs to be in place because it seems that the way my teaching goes at times I am working on Plan M or Z before I know it. I never know what happens to Plan A because the dynamics of the class changes and I have to redo my planning and instructional delivery to meet the learning needs of the students that day knowing it will change the next time we meet. This is why teaching is never boring.
Gary
Melianie --- I teach medical billing and coding and I know exactly what you mean about having a "Plan B" back-up plan. I keep copies of several current articles about the health care industry, as it relates to our field of study. If assignments, projects or exams are completed more quickly than I anticipated, I pass out news articles for small group analysis or class discussion. It's a good "filler" and it serves as a good supplemental learning tool about the health care industry.
From my observations both as a student & an instructor; it is critical for the instructor to know exactly where the class is going. When the instructor is placed in a class at the last minute, or is otherwise unprepared the students become unmotivated & maybe even unruly. How can students respect an unprepared instructor? I have found it is also important to have a plan B. Planning is wonderful as long as the plan encompasses alternatives that can accomplish the objectives. I am always looking for plan B ideas… if anyone has a plan B they would like to share.. .. I would appreciate it! Thank you!
