Hi Mark:
Nice strategies - I call this the change up. In baseball, sometimes a batter is expecting onething and the pitcher throws them a cure (literally!). This works in a lot of situations including the classroom.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jeffrey:
I think getting students involved is the single best way someone can learn something. This is a graet back up plan - and it can be used anytime too.
Regards, Barry
Hi Stacy:
That's good thinking to practice not having too much technology. One day, that LCD projector or computer just won't coooperate - then you'll be ready and your students comfortable with the transition.
Regards, Barry
Hi Evan:
Good. Using lesser used resources are always a good way to maximise what you have without having to go to too much trouble to dig up up extra, non-pertinent resources.
Regards, Barry
Hi Chris:
Yes, and back up plans can assure that that your delivery will be timely and on topic.
Regards, Barry
Hi Daniel:
This is good use of text resources. Low tech, always there. Great example!
Regards, Barry
In order to be prepared for anything I feel that the best way to be prepared is to have several different "plans of attack'. If the information is to be delivered in leture form you shouls lawys have an activity as a backup in case the students lose focus. On the other hand if you are doing an activity and they are not interested then you should be prepared to engage them into a discussion.
Sometimes when I am teaching a class that has students that are really on top of the information,I like to have them explain a technique or method of preperation. I also have students do a portion of the demonstration while I talk about what they are doing. This gets the students involved and they have some fun with the lesson.
I try to plan the lesson with and without technology, and I use handouits as well. Sometimes I use the book with no technology and sometimes I use verbal questions. I oftetimes put the students in groups so that they help each other.
Sometimes I will use a supplemental text or other source. Ocassionally students get a little bored using the same sources, so show them a new, current source. Having an extra power point for back up also never hurts.
Evan
I really believe you need to evaluate your current student needs then be flexible in your delivery options, as all students have different levels of retention.
As a backup, I typically use the review questions from the book to see if the students have gotten a grasp of the concepts. Most of the books I use also have case studies which I like to use to show the students how what they are learning can be applied to specific problems.
Hi Peter:
Yes, timing a class often varies depending on student performance or completion of planned assignments. Having additional activities to fill in when this happens is a good example of the need for back-up plans.
Regards, Barry
usually i use it a backup plan when i have a class that want to learn more or who faster getting thing done in the kitchen, then i use plan B and give them extra work that they can handle
Hi Aminta:
Sounds like you've planned ahead for when things need adjusting. Back-up plans for when resources are not available are also helpful (and needed) when one of those crazy days appears!
Regards, Barry
I am always trying to read their minds and faces as I go through the material, and take different paths/activities from material that I have prepared if I feel them a little distracted. When the topic is hard for them, I let them research on a particular area of interest , which puts them back on track.
For example if the topic is proteins, I will let them go an find out more about high protein diets and excercise.
Hi Aimee:
Yes, and a good back up plan will allow you to pull something off the shelf and be ready to go in worst case scenario (such as no projector, missing books, power out, etc.).
Regards, Barry
Hi Fortuna:
I think your role play would be an excellent example of a good back-up plan because it doesn't rely on technology or too much preparation.
Regards, Barry
restructure that class structure randomly to keep students anticipating and not wanting to miss.
Hi Douglas:
I would imagine that even in a cooking class, there critical thinking situations that be practiced and discussed. That's the thinking on your feet!
Regards, Barry
