Advance Preparation
At the end of each class, I like to go over the schedule for the upcoming class session/week with the students. This helps prepare the students ahead of time and clarifies any confusion. It also reinforces the syllabus and lets the students know that we are right on target with meeting the course expectations. It is also a time for me to start thinking about my instructional support needs for class preparation as well.
Thomas,
Yes, I believe adult learners (of all ages) want and deserve direction from their instructor. Anything we can do to provide clarity, guidence and convey expeactations should assist students decide how best to study, participate in class, and get the most out of our instructional sessions.
Barry Westling
I do agree with this mindset. Students often appreciate the linear quality of a well structured syllabus. The best classes I have taught were the ones I was most prepared for. It also allowed me the freedom of improvisation which is another quality students seem appreciate.
Kim,
One technique is to teach for a period, say 10-15 minutes, then stop and ask questions. If you sense students haven't grasped the gist of the main points, then it's time to review. If not move on. Either way we have a way to check for understanding in real time and continuously.
Barry Westling
I often find it difficult to get all of my instruction in and then give them too much prep for the next day because they like to ask a lot of questions which then run into my prep time. Their questions are often valid, but are very often because they were not listening when the origional announcment was made.Any suggestions.KIM
Fatemeh,
I agree that this exercise is probably as helpful to the instructor as much as it is to the students. This aspect of planning provides a forum for questioning and clarification of expectations that invariably will come, and be relatively easily communicated even before the outset. Oftyen, students arren't as confused as they just need direction from their instructor. This advance planning can be a big help in this regard.
Barry Westling
