Get Your Students Hired
I like to make any copies or hand outs the day before for the next day. Than that morning I’ll set up lab and/or demos, and look over that day’s material and write a brief overview of the days schedule on the board so every one can see what the day is going to be about. Than when time will allow I take some time to have a cup of coffee focus myself and get my game face on. If I’m ready mentally than the day goes smoother and the students are more relaxed, but if I’m scattered and not focused completely on what’s happening in class then the students are not engaged and the day becomes very unproductive.
Hi Tom:
This room configuration is tremendously more valuable than the standard classroom set-up. It makes for a much more intimate setting and I think inhances the learning process. Also, students can all see each other and interact more effectively as well.
Regards, Barry
A big part of my "Educational Orchestra" is the U style setting in the class room that encourages students to have direct connection with the instructor. As I move inside the U I get up close and personal with the students and make each one feel that I'm concerned with their learning and getting their feedback.
One way I like to prepare is to write good questions to quiz the students with as we progress through the material.
Hi Thomas:
I think partly what your describing has to do with the students motivation. So framed this way, an instructor can think in terms of how can I ahieve outstanding studfent learning outcomes given the level of motivation a students appears to demonstrate.
Regards, Barry
Being ready to give what the student has come to class for is one of the most important items.Some may feel they will have all the answers when completed so giving them a positve view that maybe not knowning everthing isn't as important as where to find the corect answers.One other item would be to find what the student is wanting to get from this course and what he feels might be helpful for him or her.
Hi Errol:
You are wise to realize that even with the best efforts to plan ahead, something can always go awry. Good suggestions!
Regards, Barry
My style is to be early and as prepared as I possibly can be in the classroom as well as in the lab area. I am a firm believer that the early bird not only gets the worm but he or she gets the choice of worms and if there is a problem in getting the worms you have time to make adjustments. There is no perfect plan so one must monitor his or her plan and make adjustments as necessary if you want to be successful. You can not do it if you are constantly running behind. I like my class room to be homey and look professional, this requires time and effort if one wants to be a successful instructor and his or her class get the most out of the course experience.
Hi Louis:
You do like many good instructors do. Each step adds a bit more completeness to present a sense that an organized class is about to begin!
Regards, Barry
How I prepare my Educational orchestra is having my class events on the white board daily, oganized review activities.My training aids help reflect the covered material to associate covered material with a visual to the discussion.
Hi Timothy:
Your effort towards being as prepared as possible will pay off in the form of your students performance and learning!
Regards, Barry
Hi Richard:
It's true. Sometimes it doesn't take much to get off track, and that can spoil a whole bunch of well prepared lesson nuggets.
Addid that variety and breaking up the material to presented by different media or methods can also help keep the material fresh and current.
Regards, Barry
Like others have stated, having all hand-outs, quizes and other information prepared ahead of class is crucial to keep things flowing. Sometimes it just takes the slightest slip up of not having one hand-out ready to ruin the entire lesson. In addition, the process is always evolving. I try to approach the material by putting myself in the shoes of the student. "How would I feel if I had to listen to myself teach for six hours." That by itself is enough to inspire me to put a lot of effort in preparation.
i come in early to set up the days activities.prep for lecture and add ons,hand outs and my attitude.ready,set,Go.
Hi William:
Good - an up-to-date syllabus is always a good start because it suggests the material is fresh and current. Students will learn best when they sense you're trying new things and wanting to keep everything tuned to their learning needs.
Regards, Barry
J. Newman:
Laying out your plan to the students will displace any mystery about whats coming ahead. These expectations can then be used to guage how successful you were in fulfilling the daily objectives.
Regards, Barry
I have set up a routine for day one to set the stage. Planned lessons and labs with specific goals in mind and a presentation prior to each lab to assure the students success. My labs are run as if the student is in a shop environment and his/her job is the lab for that lesson.
I make sure all my handouts are ready to hand out.I print my sylabus and update it when necessary. I make sure all class hardware (pens,markers,hiliters)are ready and in place.
I did like the idea of color paper for handouts,
I think I'll try this to see how it works.
Hi Jerry:
Good. When a stdent knows what to expect, they are plainly just going to do better than if the class activities are unknown. Variety adds a sense of excitement about what lies ahead, and that can positively contribute to the level of student motication.
Regards, Barry
Preparation is always very important it shows organization and professionalism on the instructor's part. Your daily objectives should be listed on the board so when they enter the classroom it is neat and clean and they can see exactly what will be covered that day. Any materials you may need will be in place along with any handouts. I like to walk into a classroom that has a lot of flash and excitement not just four white walls that looks to sterile. The setting that the students will be in can affect their mindset and shows the instructor's passion and pride in their facility
Hi Daniel:
Good organization suggests prepared classes and topic for the lessons ahead. Also, suggests a shared responsibility to keep thing straightened and orderly.
Regards, Barry