Hi Earl:
Good planning! By thinking in advance what you might need, you are on you way to praparing the foundation to good back up plans.
Regards, Barry
First of all, I try to make sure I have as many delivery methods as possible. That way, if someone is not understanding the lecture, then they are understanding the demo, notes, or handouts, etc. I also like to keep extra work that the students would find interesting available for days with extra time. Finally, if students are just not understanding, we can simply talk about the issues as a class (or individually) and figure out what needs to be done for me to make myself more clear.
Hi Ward:
Good planning for Plan-B. Sometimes what you'd want to do for Plan-B is not accessible, so do you need a Plan'C? That's where a back up plan becomes invaluable. Some activity that requires little to no preparation, can be immediately implemmented, is related to the basic lesson or profession, and is fairy low tech (in the event of a power failure or loss/absence of electronic resources).
Regards, Barry
Plan A is the perfect world. We do not live in a perfect world. I normally always have to go to plan B. It's not that hard to come up with alternate teaching methods. For my type of instruction if the class is bored with lecture we go right to hands on application. I like to go back to the lecture at the end of class at these times. Then I can ask the class how they felt about what they just did.
Hi Lawrence:
These seem like pretty easy resources to put into place when there's little time to prepare and you want something productive to use as a replacement for the planned activity - which is really the purpose of back-up plans in the first place.
Regards, Barry
I sometimes use printed material or hand outs as a guide or a reference source for the class. I will try to get feel for the class. If it seems like a day or a time that we all need a break from the routine I will introduce them.
Hi Stephen:
Good ideas. Good back up plans allow the user to activate the plan on relatively short notice and be in the flow of the regular lesson plan - seamless so to speak.
Regards, Barry
To develop mini tests or materials a week in advance so when there is down time you can use tests, handouts etc. for a more productive classroom thus giving the students a more well rounded education.
Hi Eric:
Good that you have access to other resources. I think the main thing is that in unexpected circumstances students have relevant lessons and/or activities that are something more than time fillers.
Regards, Barry
If I have to do a class in an emergency I will use another instuctors information and notes. I have other instructors resources to use and pull from.
Hi Eric:
I think your plan is great for breaking up the day-to-day routines that can contribute to a less than interesting lesson for the students. Back-up plans work best when everything you usually count on is not available. So what do you do? That's where great back-up plans are generated!
Regards, Barry
I try to always have printed material ready to hand out as a guide or a reference source for the class. I will generally try to feel the class out as I am teaching. If it seems like a day or a time that we all need a break from the routine I will introduce it. My goal is to get the information across however they absorb it.
Hi David:
Yes, being forced to think creatively can produce some amazing results and turn ordinary "same-old same-old" lessons into descriptive lessons with lots of pizazz!
Regards, Barry
I like the bulb preservation concept. It makes us use our creativity and pass around parts more effectively.
Hi Jorge:
Good. The key is to think about "what if nothing I've planned for is available"? The kinds of things you would do under these circumstances is how you want to think about back-up plans.
Regards, Barry
i develop backup plans by researching the topic and finding audio and visual files that relate to both the industry and course objectives but still focuses on the topic at hand.
Hi Bernie:
Great, especially about arriving an hour early to the classroom to assess and set-up. Your other back-up options are good ones as well. It's really surprising how much we can do with so little. It's all related to how much thought has preceded our planning.
Regards, Barry
In the lecture portion of my class our power points are backed up with a corresponding workbook. If I have a problem with the power point I can lecture directly from the workbook. We demonstrate procedures using training aids which normally are not a problem. In the event I can't use that particular aid there are others available, and in some cases I can even move to a different classroom. I try to be in class at least an hour beforehand to prepare.
Hi Jose:
Terrific. Using RLS seems so much relatable tan abstract examples that may get in the way of the lesson point or topic area. I believe doing what best gets the most learning accomplished for the student. Your post provides a great eaxample.
Regards, Barry
Hi Bobby:
Great example of doing something a little different to promote thought and adaptability. I think, as a back up plan, this might be better done when say, half you class is absent for some reason. Then, it'd make sewnse to modify things because you want to make the best of a less than wonderful situation. That's when a back-up plan becomes invaluable. But this change up should encourage some discussion and stretch from your students.
Regards, Barry
