Hi Ron:
Nice analogy. As to back-up plans we might think of it like "variations on a theme" and at times, "playing by ear". However, if we are prepared, we can "play it by heart" every time due to our preparation.
Regards, Barry
I compare the instructor to a conductor: keep the tempo while building to a crescendo - a classroom symphony. Using this comparison in developing backup plans, we must recognize the areas that are quick to cover (allegro) and those that are more time consuming (adagio). A backup plan containing adjustments to "tempo" can be developed and on-hand.
This is so great!. Too many times have I been working at a company where the power fails. Most recently in Florida home of the most frequent lightning strikes and I was in all of the 2005-2007 hurricanes. I could not believe how much my collegues could not do not having power.
I was able to generate new designs, new lunch and learn sessions, do complex calculations and catch up on the industry rags that had mounting up on my desk. This is such an important skill for students to learn. Just because there is no power does not me you are done working. Unless you do not mind changing jobs often and not being promoted or getting salary increases.
Chris
Hi George:
Back up plans help the teacher as much as the students. Good notes, to me, imply the student is in tune with what the teacher is trying to impart. One challenge is that all students are at different levels - so, they may be getting different messages from the teacher. Maybe, even missing essential information.
Being prepared to offer alternative materials will be one component of a good back up plan.
Regards, Barry
Always have a back-up plan.Expect the unexpected.Tell the students to take good notes.
Hi George:
Is there an activity you use to break up the routine?
Regards, Barry
Hi Brian:
Which backup plan might you use at your school?
Regards, Barry
Hi Manuel:
What "technology" tools do you use in your classes? What back-up plan would work for you?
Regards, Barry Westling
Hi Scott:
Oh, so true. I used to carry my own slide projector, extra bulbs, etc. If the presentation is dependent on the technology, we'd better be sure we're prepared.
You're very correct, the old reliable overhead projector with writable slides can be a life saver.
Excellent suggestion!
Regards, Barry Westling
You never know when the computer age is going to fail. Having a back-up plan for instance with the over head will keep the instruction going
Hi John:
With technolgy so ubiqutous these days, a computer technology melt-down could be truly devastating to a daily lesson plan.
Besides text and study guide resources, students are often a reliable resource to present, discuss and share course content. This works by both using alloted time effectively, and also letting student feel they are postively contributing to the class. That involvement can serve to reinfroce their motion too.
Good ideas!
Hi Joe:
You've cited a very creative and proactive exercise that exercises preparedness that not many teachers probably do. You als get to brush up on using different instructional strategies that you may not be as comfortable with.
Also, your students get a break from the routine and I think that helps pique their attention.
Excellent activity!
Backup plans are very important in computer science. When the system is down, the course can come to a standstill. This is bound to happen at times. I tell the students to get out the old pencil and paper. They usually look at me with a glazed look, like what is that?
We usually review the lesson covered by using a question-answer session. After this procedure and the computers are still down, computer terminology is discussed. We have written questions that pertain to the unit studied that they can look up in their text. A pop quiz can be forth coming at the next class over what has been covered at that time.
