The Unexpected
The unexpected, and often unexpected responses and questions from students is often what makes teaching interesting - the idea that teaching should be strictly by the numbers does not provide for a flexible and interesting environment in my opinion.
Eddie,
What are some example of this?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
some times I like the unexpected, I don't worry so much about losing control of my class it just keeps me sharp and witty
Anita,
One thing for sure in teaching is that there will be interruptions and we instructors need to have plans for how we will cope with these learning distractions. We need to always have a plan B or maybe a D,E or F, just in case.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If it is at all possible, I try to use the interruption to highlight what we are speaking about...even if only to say that we need to be able to multi-task.
Mary,
I like the way you approach situations like this as learning opportunities for yourself. For me this is one of the rewards of teaching because I get to continually learn new information.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Expecting the unexpected will keep you on your toes. It also helps me to better prepare myself for any questions that may arise. If I get a question from a student that I am not sure of the answer, I am better prepared next time. I also use it as a learning guide. I have the students look up the answers and present to the class.
Tiffany,
Good advice for beginning instructors. We have all had these fears and worked through them and our new instructors will as well but for the first few times through a course it can be stressful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think that as a new instructor, fearing the loss of control in your class is normal. That fear diminishes after you have been teaching for a while. You then have to consider that all classes are not the same. One class of students may be more silent than others. Other classes more talkative and interactive. Rule number one in my book is to "never let'm see ya sweat". The more in control you look the less of a joke you become and you won't go home with alot of headaches!
I agree with you Melody. I sometimes fear the AV system going out and not being able to use my PPT lecture- but, when the unexpected happens, it is usually a learning experience and quite often an entertaining/amusing one!
Melody,
Good way to engage students and enhance the learning experience for them. This increases their participation as well as satisfaction with the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Many times i fear the unexpected, but more than not i have enjoyed the way it can draw out of me ideas and creativity on the spot that i didn't know i had. I have at times turned those unexpected questions back around to the rest of the class to provoke them to think or even look up the answers and get back to me. Sometimes when i turn the questions to the rest of the class it takes the pressures off of me hehehehe and it becomes fun, engaging and sometimes a challenge for the rest of the class to get to the bottom.
Stephanie,
Your comments made me smile because you are right about how fast a class can get off topic if not handled. This is much like our instructional planning. I have a Plan A but I don't think I have every taught Plan A because something comes up and I am on Plan B and then C and before I know it I am having to use Plan M or Y. The message is we must adapt and we need to have a variety of approaches to our content if we are going to keep our students engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am always watching for the unexpected. If the class gets off the subject at hand (which only takes about 2 seconds) I stop the conversation. I will say ok enough of that now back to our lesson!
Joe,
Good point and this is a part of being a life long learner both as a student and a teacher.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
True. What makes teaching so interesting is what students force you to learn: different cultures, background, expectations, etc., force you to answer questions you never dreamed of encountering.
Catherine,
Thank you for sharing how an instructor was able to keep a student engaged while answering a questions that seemed to be off point or not valid. As you mention it is so important to help students see that they are respected for who they are and what they contribute to the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It's so important to approach any unusual comments made by students as if it were completely valid. No student wants to feel misunderstood nor do they want to feel targeted by the rest of the class. I try to make every student feel comfortable to discuss anything pertaining to the course topic at hand. A fellow instructor shared a relevant experience with a student when the student asked what was considered to be a rediculous question and became a the subject of classroom chuckle, yet the instructor took the question seriously and answered it in a way that steered the student back on track. It was a very impressive approach and takes tact and patience! But its a moment to be proud of for sure.
Chase,
Take a deep breath and then think about how you can capture the attention of the students. If it is a student causing the disruption you may have to isolate that individual. If it is a malfunction of technology then you need to have an alternate plan such as putting the students into learning groups and do a case study or problem solve. The key is to have alternate plans and show the students that you are going to keep the class moving forward no matter the situation. They will respect you for your effort and the next time a problem comes up they will turn to you for your leadership. This is what respect and rapport is all about.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
What happens if you are challenged perhaps a little too much and the unexpected tries to derail the class. As a new teacher I find myself worrying about losing control of my class.
