New Classroom Instructor
As a new instructor I remember totally stressing out on developing my lesson plans. I have learned that classroom management is the most important part of teaching. Yet, after taking a couple of these online courses, I have learned that developing a lesson plan is extremely important to classroom management. No wonder I was stressing about my lesson plans. As instructors, we have a strong knowledge base and I often find myself wondering which direction to go and focus on. There are three basic steps to developing a lesson plan that I have found very helpful. 1st, pick a topic to teach and discuss and introduce the students to this topic through lecture and a quiz. 2nd, design an activity so students can interact and practice what you introduced. 3rd, design an assessment. Include review activities in-between each part.
Following these three steps will allow you as an instructor to focus on the students rather than on yourself.
What are methods that help you develop lesson plans and a classroom management plan?
Thanks Mark, thats a great way of putting it. I will refocus their energy for productive use.
Helping students to focus their energy and knowing when you need to do so is key.
Hi Gregory,
Absolutely, you teach based on what you want students to learn and then you test to determine if the information has been learned.
Patricia
I just completed a "methods of instruction" course, which emphasized adequate lesson plans. One of the key things I learned is to clearly establish objectives--what you want students to learn/accomplish--and how you will assess/evaluate them, before developing the material itself. In my past experience, I think I had this backward. I'd tend to develop material first, then make objectives/evaluation match it.
I have been a full time instructor for 2 terms now and everyday I learn something new. I have become better prepared with lesson plans, being better prepared to handle the impromptu questions and situations that may arise. Doing continuing education modules help me in handling difficult students.
Hi Paul,
I was a bit timid when I first started and had a hard time getting the students to focus, especially if they lost interest, or I had a student disrupting my class. Now I have learned to engage the students and re-direct their energy.
Hi Kelly,
It is definite that students expect instructors to control the classroom environment. The environment should be conducive for learning to take place.
Patricia
I believe that students expect their instructors to manage the classroom in a way that is conducive to student learning. By getting to know the characteristics and needs of each student, instructors can use many of the strategies presented in this module to maintain a good 'flow' in the classroom.
Hi Paul,
Great answer! Objectives are determined for the chapter. Lecture is based on the objectives. Activities are assigned based on the lecture. A test is given based on the lecture and activties. In order to do the things mentioned, of course one must be very prepared, knowledgeable, and organized.
Patricia
