Hi Judy:
Setting you pace for the class can be tricky. One thing , if applicable, is to get students into groups to discuss some aspect of the topic, then present to the class. If time is running short, you can just step in and provide the information. In this way, you are controlling too much or too little time.
Regards, Barry
I agree, if I have a class that seems to be finishing their products in record time and give them something extra to do that is the one day everyone falls behind. I have found that If I put the extra project up as an option more of the students accomplish it.
Hi Yesenia:
Some instructors ask their students to bring them handwritten questions to be answered individually (or for the whole class if it's pertinent). Having students explain what they know and then the teacher filling in the blans or corrections is another way to use valuable class time.
Regards, Barry
I teach on the weekends along with another instructor. She teaches the Saturday class and I the Sunday class. Each class is about 5 hours long and there is a lot of material covered in short period of time. The material includes medical information which can be overwhelming for a student who does not have any medical background. The way the curriculum is designed doesn't allow much time for students to ask many questions. What I have been doing is making myself available during our lunch hour and checking in with those I feel need a little extra help. I also take 20 minutes at the end of class to summarize the day's lesson and to answer any questions. I still feel like this isn't enough, but my hands are tied.
Hi Michael:
Great comment. Questions are so important. Specifically allowing time for questions will avoid leaving this invaluable learning tool out of the mis of the daily lesson.
Regards, Barry
I have found that when instructors develop a lesson plan they quite often forget to allow for questions by the students. A clear plan written on the board for the day with the time allowed for questions will allow the class to move more efficiently.
Hi Jeff:
You have a good approach there. What is good is the whole class session is able to be used productively without wasted time.
Regards, Barry
My plan B is to have a list of items that are necessary and items that are good useful information. I make sure to cover the necessary info, and I use the useful info to supplement if I have too much time.
Hi Beth:
I think all experienced teachers have had to deal with the "timing" of instructional lessons. Many factors contribute to variances, so that's where a back-up plan (or plan B) is invaluable.
Regards, Barry
