I always have additional material ready in case the class is having difficulty with the course material that I have planned for the day. I also have extra material for students who progress faster than other students so they do not get bored with the class.
Karen,
You're right, back-up plans can mean and manefest different ways. One variation is more aligned with what you describe, using a different method or activity to make a point or teach a principle. Back up plans can also mean having a set of preplanned activities that can be implemented on short notice in the event whatever was planned cannot occur for whatever reason. Really, in any situation, we should be prepared to offer an alternative way (or ways) to deliver our message.
Barry Westling
Instructional back-up plans can be categorized into two areas. First, a different instructional manner in which to present the same information. Some classes will have gregarious students more than willing to participate and help instruct the class. Other classes are quieter and need the instructor to present the exact same information in a different format. It is important to have varied ways to present the information. Second, is the element of time. Based on each individual class when presenting the same information, it can take an extended amount of time or not. It is impossible for the instructor to know on the first day what prior information each student has based on the class he/she is about to present. Having a back-up plan is always prudent.
Tracy,
I agree. Lists like these allow for creative ideas to emerge and outdated activites put to rest. Instruction is a dynamic process, and fun, active learning will always be a better learning envirnonment for students.
Barry Westling
I'm a new instructor so I'm gaining a lot of knowledge on strategies. I like the idea of the use of games, group work on case studies, etc. Activities that will change the energy level in the room will help energize the students.
I like the idea of developing an inventory of course specific activities, such as games, group work on case studies, etc. It serves to change the atmosphere in the room and helps to energize the students.
Jonathan,
I think of back up plans as a tool to use to avoid wasting the students time. Current and culmulative experience in a given profession are always a valued asset, enabling Q&A to occur seamlessly without much distraction from the focus of the class. I always follow a students question with a statement like "great question" or "interesting question". Usually my response is one of three. I may be able to quickly answer and move on. Or, the answer may take more time, and I'll ask the student to stay after for a thorough response without holding up the whole class. Or, if I'm not sure I can answer, I'll so state, and make sure I follow up up after I determined the correct answer.
Barry Westling
Being current in your field of study. Studnets often have great questions that do not apply to the lesson plan, but necessity and deserve answering. For me, it is always important to be ready for any and all questions that may arise. Obviously it is impossible to be prepared for all questions, but I always try to make sure that I am aware of what is going on in my field (up-to-date), and that my students know I am willing to answer all of thier questions.
Susan,
Great! I think whenever we can get students involved, up and moving around, or actively involved in a game that reinforces learning, they're going to reflect positively on the course, the instructor, and in general, probably do better.
Barry Westling
Since I have been teaching vocational students for a few years - I have a couple tricks in the hat so to speak - I like to shake things up a bit but incorporating a totally different activity as in calling a small group discussion/flashcards/ or a game at the board that they all take turns. Many times I may have them look up a topic in our subject or the history of that to topic and s hare the information.
Stephanie,
For me, I have a back-up plan for each topic. In general, discussions, reading from textbook, or "seatwork" are good examples. I think keeping back up plans low tech, easy to implemment, and relative to the topic will be befenficial and keep students from thinking that the assignment is mere busy work.
Barry Westling
This happened one day on campus that all the power was out for hours and when it came back on we had no AC. I like to have a lot of back up group activities that we can do. It keeps students engaged.
John,
When a back-up plan is used, it's usually because something is not going as planned, even if it's just extra time at the end of class. Discussions, reading, get started on homework, review of the class day, previewing the next days activities -- these are a few ideas. I try to keep it low tech, simple to implement, and related to the course topic.
Barry Westling
The first thing I would do is look at the course objectives. I believe it is very important to understand how to meet these objectives. Then I would look at the syllabus and determine if the two work well together. Backup plans would be go above and beyond the curriculum. I would use other instructors info to figure out how to develop backup plans.
Robert,
Good planning is never a wasted activity. Even the best plans can go awry though, often beyond our control. That's where a good back-up plan is worth its weight in gold.
Barry Westling
My daily lesson plan is broken down into time segments much as was described in ED-105. I can see in each segment if more or less time is needed based on the students reactions and feedback. I then can adjust so that I can spend more time on the subjects(s) that need the time and less on the ones that I can condense, at least for that day.
Trinity,
Right. Multiple ways to make the best use of time available is best. I think discussion or review-oriented activities are always a good back-up activity because these take little preparation But there are many other ideas that are just as effective. I think the main thing is to make sure students are kept engaged and the activity is relevant to their cuurent course of study.
Barry Westling
I think it would be handy to have a small list of alternative activities for each lesson plan. You would be prepared with more than one back up plan, depending on your class.
Get them into an activity that will require them to use the knowledge that they just learned. They might just need a break from listening. Get them moving. The activity should help them understand what they learned, and will most likely help your discussion later.
Edward,
Discussion is a great way to plan back-up activities. It's current, gets students thinking and engaged, and is low tech.
Barry Westling
I like to have the latest technical articles concerning related and often, controversial topics in the computer field. These are easy to find and easily generate profitable discussion.
I also plan enough ahead that we can sometimes move on with the plan.
