Planning and Preparation
The old saying, fail to plan, plan to fail applies here.
Knowing the topic is good. Being able to apply the topic to real world events and applications.
Following a plan end to end is extremely important to the student. They will let you know if your off track.
Following the plan will keep you from tangent discussions or saying lets cover this now, next hour our next class covers the extensive subject matter you have brought up.
Martin,
You make a very good point. Instructors have to be flexible and be able to adjust quickly as the class shifts. This way you can keep the class moving forward while still offering the needed information.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think that in addition to planning and being prepared, as an instructor, you also have to be ready to improvise within the structure you have created—much like improvising within a musical structure. I'm always amazed at how students can catch me off-guard with unexpected questions and unusual responses.
Planning and preparation are key elements to ensure students have an ideal learning environments. However, the dynamics of students, teaching methods, and situational changes are unpredictabile. Therefore, instructors must learn to change and create strategies to enhance the learning processs.
Claudia,
Thank you for sharing this example of how now being prepared can impact learning. The instructor had the technical skill and knowledge but lacked the organizational skills needed to send the message. A very good lesson for us all to remember as we do our own planning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is True...
I recently had a CPR training and the instructor walked in the office 20 minutes late ,with a big suitcase full of papers.
she was very savvy on her field but as she was going thru the presentation she will stop to find handout material.It was very difficult to follow her idea.
This taught me that PLANNING AND PREPARATION was not in her priority list .
Daniel,
Right you are about the need for planning and making sure that you are ready when it is time to share your content and expertise with your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
