From a physical stand point in the classroom for the students to move about since some of our training aids are not small. The materials are what the students will be learning in the the course. In a logical order the course will be presented.
Hi Leonardo:
Good preparation. Arriving early assists if something isn't going as planned (time for for you Plan-B).
Regards, Barry
Preparation is the key to starting the class off on the right foot. I have a plan of what I need as far as materials are concerned, training aids, and material I will be using in lecture. I also arrive early and make sure everything is printed and operational. I also review the material that I will be covering that day. It is also very important to me that I have a plan “B”. You will never know when you are going to need it.
Hi Jason:
Great! Excited and interested - a real key to motivation. Interactive and timely - one of the best ways to help students learn. And rehearsal - a very key step to excellent performances.
Regards, Barry
I look at what kind of experience I want my students to have during our time together. This can be challenging, since I have not met them, so I have to be prepared to be flexible as the situation demands. I try to set up the classroom to make it as comfortable and conducive to learning as I can, but I really try to put emphasis on my preparation for the class presentations. i try to put on a good show, to help get them excited and to stay interested in what we are doing. I try to make the expereince interactive, as well as timely, so I will have them look things up during class and I will discuss current events that will affect them in their professional lives. it means that I will have to do a lot of research as teh class progresses, but it really engages the students and I get a lot of buy in. I have to be careful though, and make sure that the information that we are discussing is relevant, as well as valid or things can go very badly during our discussion.
It is also a good idea to rehearse your delivery. It can feel silly to perform your delivery out loud to yourself, but it can help to show timing, show areas where you can insert activities, it can show where you need to emphasize certain information with things like voice inflection. At minimum you should be performing your delivery in your head at least once before you actually attempt to deliver it to the class.
Hi Dennis:
Good points, Dennis. I agree that what one does on the first day is very important as it sets the tone and expectatations for the remainder of the class. This day doesn't have to be extremely rigid and full of rules, but expeactations should be given. In fact, the more interesting the day can be, the more enthusiastic the students will on day two and forward.
Regards, Barry
My focus in any course that I teach is keeping the entire class and lab experience fun,organized and interesting, while maintaining continuos learning environment. I also do all that I can to make sure that all students are as comfortable as possible.
In the class I try to keep it clean and organized and try to keep the entire class involved and participating in all activities.
The first day of class is very important. Things are organized and accessible to the students. They are allowed to pick their own seats to better help them be comfortable. Any handout materials are printed the day before the lesson ahead, so they are on hand when needed. I also give in class demonstrations of sections that have related training aids in the class room. I will cover operation, theories and diagnosis for all systems.
Hi Anthony:
Motion is a good motivator - I like that. Sounds like you've got it together.
Regards, Barry
Hi Rich:
Good plan - prepared and organized!
Regards, Barry
Well, I look at my surroundings and set up the classroom to get the best view of the board and the training aids, then as I begin to teach, orchestrate, my class with questions and moving around the classroom.
Arriving early and preparing the day with hand outs, lab requirements, lab paperwork or lecture materials keeps my students aware and interested.
Hi James:
Good preparation including thinking about your class from the students perspective is a good strategy. Sounds like a great learning environment.
Regards, Barry
I make sure the student is given an atomsphere to succeed. Preoaring the proper training aids in the class. Making sure every student is comfortable with thier enviorment. This allow them to be outgoing. Not afraid tp ask questions and enjoy themeselves at the same time
Hi Chris:
These are good points. I think the example we set as instructors can set the tone we want to see in our students, as you stated. I also think that example can contribute to students doing better in class if they feel the instructor is professional and is there to help them learn.
Regards, Barry
Setting a good example, be professional in everyway, being prepard and early for class.
Do not expect your students to do any more than what you are preparred to do.
Hi Jeff:
What you've created is an opportunity for students to use their imagination - in anticipation of exciting things to come. Thats great.
Regards, Barry
I have every thing laid out in advance. I also have lots of performance parts sitting around to get them excited. I tell them about my back ground and enthusiasm for the profession, and I spend the first part of the first day asking the students where they are from, if they have a performance car, how far they are in their program and weather they are planning on taking any graduate programs, so I can get a feel for them.
Hi Robin:
Sounds like you are very prepared. I think your practice of reviewing past notes is terrific, since they provide you with reminders of past memories of what has worked or items you want to cover.
Regards, Barry
I arrive early for my class and set up any labs, obtain the training parts to show and copy any paper work that is needed. I then open my PowerPoint and look over what I will be presenting. Some areas have had questions asked from other classes and I have written down notes to add in to help the students to get a better understanding.
Hi John:
Interpersonal communication is always a good idea as it helps the instructor learn something about the students, and it adds a tone that is friendly and usually non-thretening. Plus, the students get a sense about you, as their instructor as well.
Regards, Barry
