Being Prepared to Teach
Having all necessary materials to teach, employing latest methods, knowing yourself and getting to know your students will help you be a successful instructor.
Hi Sara:
I agree that one of the worst feelings and situations is when things are not going as planned, running behind, feeling pulled from all directions - it adds confusion, inefficient use of time, and most importantly, it can take valuable time away from students. They are our number one priority.
Regards, Barry
I found that the more prepared I am for class the more confident I am as well. It is easy to lose your cool if you are running around trying to catch a break whether it be looking for materials or getting your mise en place ready. It also is an example for the students to follow : If the teach is prepared, on time and organized then the students will strive for that as well.
Don, I agree with everything and would like to add that being familiar with the materials(product) is one of the biggest advantages to help the instructor feel comfortable.
Hi Laura:
Student learning outcomes and corse objectives present a clear focus for what should be presented in class. If electronic aids are not helpful, I would avoid their use (during class time).
Regards, Barry
I have found the numerous websites used administratively to be a distraction for me. It seems like I am jumping from one website to another (such as attendance to grades to email), that I shy away from using a lot of technology in my classroom.
Hi Sarah:
Good advice. I used to carry extra slide projecytor bulbs, and extension cord, and a cassette tray to house the slides even though these were almost always present. But if my presentation was dependent on it, I'd plan for the worst. That's why I have my own fold up portable overhead projector, flipcharts, and related back up materials. I always bring my old lap top with necessary cables. And of course all my material is backed up on my personal thumb drive. It helps me provide at least something in the event resourses promised are missing or absent.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jerry:
I'm glad that worked out for you. It underscores the importanhce of having back-up plans (another lesson in this course). As our classrooms become more technical, this technological mishap is likely to occur more frequently as time moves on, so we're going to have to learn to be prepared.
Regards, Barry
Interesting. I teach verbal communications and I tell my students that I will teach them not only how to give a presentation but how to make sure their power points, videos, and audios work and how to survive their persentation if technology fails them. I always have a plan B and sometimes a C.
In addition to having materials, having technology and knowledge of how to work it adds tremendously to good delivery. This past week I learned that without a certain software program on the faculty computers in the classrooms, there is no way to show the video I planned. Fortunately, our IT gurus jump most excellently on little notice and the tech issue was solved. It made the delivery truly educational.
Hi Donald:
Good. I would add that of the materials chosen, we want to be sure that the media will best teach the students (vs what the teacher is most comfortable in using or likes to use). Students in many differnt ways, so choosing media that's effective (vs convenient) is important to better student outcomes.
Regards, Barry
