Preparation is the key
preparation is the key to presenting a lecture that will address the course objectives.
Hi Justin,
Some of the questions that students ask are to "stump" the teacher just for the fun of it. This generally occurs when the students are about to finish their programs and they are feeling pretty confident about their knowledge and skills. This to me is ok. I like it when they are feeling self confident. In most cases instructors can answer the questions and when they can't they just say so and then have the answer at the next class meeting. This shows you want to share the latest information with your students and are willing to take the effort to find the answer.
Gary
The students tend to respect you more when you are prepared. I especially have to prepare for different questions that may arise when teaching the students a new program or topic. When I answer a question a student has with out hesitation I can sense that they respect me more as a professional they can learn from. Sometimes I wonder if some students want to stump the teacher just for the satisfaction.
i agree 100% if you do not have all of your materials needed for the first day and have to keep running out to get things, students tend to do the same.
I agree. The more prepared you are the more creadability you have. Give your student a open door to critisise you and they will.
Hi Scott,
It is best to be prepared for a week's duration so you can have an idea of where you will be taking the class. When classes meet for long periods of time (3-6-8 hours) a lot of material will be covered as well as progress in skill development, you have to have a "big picture" idea planned out for the class. You should have back up plans and activities laid out in case you need to change directions due to the composition of the study body or circumstances within the class. This additional planning will help you be responsive to the needs of the class.
Gary
Is it best to prepare each day before the class or week to week?
I agree. By preparing ahead you won't fumble around looking for a hand out or a page. It shows that you are ready.
Hi Veda,
Good point. The agenda is a road map for the day and it gives the students an idea of what is going to occur. This also shows them that you have invested some time in preparing for that day's class. Helps the students to appreciate your investment in their learning.
Gary
Yes I find when I have a lesson plan or syllabus for the class things run much smoother. Sometimes I give the students an agenda for the day becasue the class is an 8 hour class.
Preparation is the most important part of any lecture not only to deliver the relevent information but to be able to answer questions and ensure details are not left out. Also you give yourself credibility to the student as a leader in the learning environment
Yes. No matter how many times I've taught a class, I always review the materials and try to find new ways to present the key points.
I totally agree. I read up on the materials that I am going to discuss the night before, and prepare myself for questions.
Yes it is. I usually do homework by highlighting.
