teaching a new course
I've been asked to teach a course that I have never taught before. How much should rely on co-works that have taught the coure already?
I relied heavily on those who had taught the course. Fortunately they were open to assist at any time. All I had to do was to show interest in helping my students to become successful.
As a program chair, I ask each instructor to share their materials and I keep them in a computer file for a new instructor or if that instructor has a computer meltdown and loses their materials. It gives the new instructor a starting point.
Not only do I ask for the materials for the class, I have sat in on the the class the instructor I'm getting the materials from. I will shadow the first few classes to see how they manage their time. It gives me an understanding in the material and its usage.
I agree with you 100% Amy. At the school I work at we have a standard curriculum, and every instructor has the material. Although, our dean tells us to make the class our own. This being said it provides a better educational experience and we as instructors can keep a fresh outlook on the class!
When teaching a new course for the first time I try to see who taught it before, and get their materials.
I also talk to them about any pros and cons they have discovered and how they would deal with this to make it better.
We are all trying to teach as best as we can for our students. I see that we are all after the same goal , to give or students a great education.
Michele, So true. I love leveraging the materials from fellow instructors. I don't just use them for teaching new courses. Sometimes they are helpful when I want to add richness to existing courses.
Dr. Melissa Read
Asking a fellow instructor for their class materials is a great way to start up a new class. With the information at hand, it is possible to get new ideas, and have a basis for structuring the new class.
Recieving help from the other instructors, while teaching a new class is very benificial.
Kev, Sounds like you have faced some big challenges in getting ramped up in your new institution. At the same time, you are likely paving a path for an easier onboarding experience for instructors in the future. Someone has to do this, thought it can be frustrating when that person is you!
Dr. Melissa Read
Honestly, when I started at this school the turn over was extremely high and there was no one to rely on. I looked over what the Director had in her office and read the textbook, looked over the powerpoints and they just winged it. Not the best way to prepare and I made several mistakes along the way.
I completely agree with you about owning your material with each class. I have not been doing this as long as you have but I have had the privilege to teach the same classes the last 2 years and I have found that each class learns the material differently. So I have had to modify the information to their learning styles. Thanks for your posting
hello,
i have found that the best way to teach a new course is by "making it your own".
Julie, Excellent to hear. Yes, instructors who have taught for many years have a wealth of teaching materials, templates and knowledge to offer. It sounds like you made the right decision in consulting with them!
Dr. Melissa Read
being a fairly new instructor myself, I have had to rely on some assistance from other instructors who have taught similiar subjects and then modify to assist in my lecture time. This appears tohave worked for me thus far Good Luck
Orientation to "the system" of your school helps to identify certain aspects that will assist in setting up your program and style for a new class. Students have certain expectations of the instructor which will sometimes help the instructor create or streamline and existing class preparation.
Yaima, You are not alone. Many instructors feel this way. The preparation process can increase our confidence and aid in our performance too. Over time though, you will find that you have to prepare less and less to feel the confidence you need.
Dr. Melissa Read
Every time that i teach a new course i always need more preparation to fell confident in my class even if i know everything i need to be prepared for the class .
In the beginning of my teaching career I relied heavily on my fellow instructors for information I needed to conduct business successfully. As usual they are very helpful and we depend on each other.
Roy,
I have been instructing for almost 10 years. Of course there was a time, just like you, when I had to teach something for the very first time. Some things that help me...of course, read the chapter or materials prior to the class start, highlight key points of interest that you know are of high importance to the curriculum in general, and make your own test (if you use standardized curriculum, take the test that was given to you, it's a sure way to identify the areas of concentration during lecture or areas that you need to refresh on). Asking co-workers for ideas is great too, but make it your own. In fact, make it your own even if you teach the same class over and over again. Every group of students is different and you can manipulate the curriculum to fit each group. Hope it helps!
