I feel like I have to present too much material in too little time.
I feel frustrated delivering the vast amount of material in a short period of time while still trying to obtain the highest level of learning possible. Is this feeling being observed by anyone else?
I agree that sometimes the amount of material to be covered in class on any given day can seem overwhelming. However, it is good to have too much material versus too little. This means you have much you want to share with students to guide them to a better understanding of your subject matter. That's what we have lesson plans for, anyway. We can always continue on with something we didn't get to in the previous class session. Try to stop feeling overwhelmed and just do what you can do. You can always get to more during other class meetings.
Hi Kofi,
You can do several things during the mini-breaks. You can put them into groups and have them work on case studies or discussions. Another strategy is to have them do worksheets for reinforcement. If you give a quiz you might want to do it in game for to get a bit of competition going. This will raise the level of excitement up for the class. I use a game set up like Jeopardy.
Gary
Do you have any ideas as to what I should do during the mini breaks? I am considering a quiz half way through the lecture to test thier understanding. It would be graded, but not worth many points. What do you think of that idea and do you have any others?
When I find myself having to teach too much information in too little time I have always relied on my first day “pre-rec knowledge tests.” Basically it is a pre-test for the class material that shows me where my students are, who has a strong background knowledge, and who is being introduced to the material for the first time. In the case everyone knows a given objective we can lightly touch that subject in the class while saving time for more demanding subjects.
Hi James,
Thanks for sharing this strategy for redirecting the lecture with us. These mini-breaks allow the minds of the students to refresh and then refocus back on the content. It is good that you can recognize the need for them and then use then accordingly.
Gary
I think this is probably a common feeling. As an instructor I want to make sure that my students are getting EVERYTHING and I often find myself tensing up during a lecture. When I catch myself doing this (no I don't always) I like to take a "mini break" a few minutes where I let the lecture wander of topic a bit. the students are always willing. This give me a moment to relax and refocus. Then I am able to bring the discussion back around to topic and I seem to finish presenting all of the informatin in a timley manner with happy students
Hi Jack,
Right on with your planning. There is nothing worse than having too much time and not enough material. It is deadly. Also, it is always good to have something extra up your sleeve as well in case an activity you try doesn't work out so you can quickly shift to another one with little or not change of pace.
Gary
I always feel more secure if I go into a lecture period with more material than I will be able to cover. I liken this to planned games at a child's birthday party - always have another item or two up my sleeve while being sure to cover the most important competencies.
Hi Danielle,
You have a very solid approach to how you are offering instruction to your students. I like the comment about working through all of the steps to make sure that the students don't acquire bad habits as they are developing their skills. As you know bad habits are much harder to change once they have been acquired.
Gary
The more time you spend modeling the steps of the lab, the less time you will have to correct faulty steps. Using a projector to model correct positioning or use of equipment can serve as a good visual reference for students.
Finally, using simple but thorough rubrics and checklists, can ensure that students master lab steps thoroughly and in proper sequencing.
Try posting a to-do-list at each lab station.
Hi Daniel,
You are in a difficult situation but I admire you for finding a way of getting the information across to your students even though it is not your preferred way. As instructors we have to do what we have to do to share instruction. With the structure don't forget to stop and remember why you are a teacher and enjoy your students.
Gary
I also am presented with this problem. The school where I teach has a very structured class environment (all course material, schedule, and syllabus are set in stone from the beginning), and I have to find ways of getting the important information across without it getting lost in the mountain of other information. Unfortunately what seems to work best for me is to flat-rate teach the course information to present all of it, then give the students an interactive review of the important information before the test. It's not the way I would prefer to present the information, but in this structured system, it seems to work best for me.
Hi Mark,
Great example of your development as an instructor. Seeing the situation and making modifications needed to bring success to your students.
Gary
I used to feel this way until I started eliminating all the clutter. I force myself to remember that I'm only going to spend time teaching the goals of this particular class. I used to spend too much time on advanced theory and not enough time on the basics. I've found that this now allows me enough time to achieve the classes criteria.
Hi Michael,
This is a common problem with instructors everywhere. There is not a simple solution to this concern but I have found that by breaking down the content into small units it really helps the students to stay motivated because they see the smaller unit, learn it and then move on. Sometimes they become overwhelmed with the volume and have a tendency to just give up. Much like the eating an elephant. How can you do it? One bite at a time.
Gary
Hi Terrance,
I commend you for challenging your students to work hard at being successful students. This means individual effort to learn the content and develop the skills. This is what will set the students apart from the herd.
Gary
I think it is important to know exaclty what you want the students to learn. This means covering the harder concepts more thoroughly. One of the selling points for our school is no homework. I still try to impress upon the students that in order to succeed they HAVE to study at home.
I agree, there are so many ways of teaching and so many various ways students learn,that the time constraints do not allow for various modes of teaching that can help students achieve their greatest potential for learning. More then 10- 15 students in each class also adds to this hindrance.
Hi Geraldine,
Even with all the pressure and stress of getting some much accomplished be sure to take a few minutes along the way to enjoy your students. Chat with them in passing so they know you care about them and their lives. Plus, it gives you a chance to catch your breath. Keep up the good work.
Gary
