Polly,
Sequencing time for a given lesson can be difficult to predict precisely, so what we're really taliking about is planning. We can plan the lesson, but we can (and should) always have a back-up exercise or two planned in case unpected events result in having more time to use. Of course we want that to be productive use of student and instructor time.
Barry Westling
I always have at least 2-3 other activities ready to go for each class. Sometimes students catch on to concepts quickly and I need more materials. Another instructor shared her "fly swat" game that helps the students learn terminology. I thought the students would think it was boring, but they love it. It gets them up out of their seats and they have a great time swatting the terms. I also have them use the words in context or give examples and they really do well.
Michael,
Overprepared is always better. I've found that practically every lesson point can have an additional practical exercise or activity associated with it to reinforce learning. Sometimes I'll integrate these practice activities into the live lesson in order to liven things up, create interest, demonatrate the power and benefit of the material, and provide for engagement.
Barry Westling
When I have taught a course multiple times, I develop multiple back-up plans, utilizing strategies that have worked well in different classes. I gauge the current class interest and comprehension level, and piece together activities that have worked well with similar groups in the past. It takes a little additional prep time, but I always want to be "over-prepared."
Diane,
Students usually like games, and other activities they view as fun but have an educational theme related to their course of study or basic topic. There's nothing wrong about having fun while we learn.
Barry Westling
We play hangman with medical words and the weekly terminolgy words we are studying. Also, I divide class and play a question/answer game and the winner gets a candy. The candy is in a "monkey bone" stuffed animal with a bag of candy. The students came up with the name. They sure do love playing this game!
Christopher,
Great! I think simpler activities but relevant work best. Videos, games, discussions, worksheets, reviews, these are examples that have worked for me in the past.
Barry Westling
I feel it is vital to have prepped more than the lesson 'scheduled' to be taught on that day. Having lesson plans prepared ahead of time will also smooth over any emergency coverage needs. Additional activities, in the event that the lecture is starting to tire student attention are a huge plus to have ready to pull out of your sleeve.
Ricmanuel,
I think as long as students feel their time is not being wasted, they will benefit from fun activities, especially when used as a back-up plan.
Barry Westling
Discussion forums and interactive games provide a great backup plan.
Eric,
Students really like stories and any thing that has to do with what they'll be doing as workers. This is always a great way to use time in an effective manner.
Barry Westling
I put into perspective to what they will do in the real world. I teach Computer science and there are several things that are hard to relate to prior experience so I give them an idea of what to expect after graduation.
Heather,
Filling in (as a sub) for someone is a great reason to have several good lessons that can be implemented on short notice, low tech, are relative to the course of study, and interesting. Students will be apt to be focused and stay engaged if they feel the (sub) activities are thought out and meaningful, rather than mere time fillers.
Barry Westling
I have extra assignments available for students that may want extra help on a subject or if I have the need for them.
I make sure if I am planning on needing equipment that the school has limited available, that i have a back up plan in case that equipment is not available or not working.
I make sure that I have my lesson plan easy to follow and easy to find, in case I need a sub or someone needs to take over the class for me.
Lynn,
This is a great example of a (backup) plan that can be conducted when the regular planned for activity is unavailable for whatever reason. Good back up plans are simple to implemment, related to the topic, interesting to the students, and productive in that students don't feel their time is being wasted, or engaged in a "time-filler" activity.
Barry Westling
Often I review case study questions from instructor guides to be used for small group discussions.
Just recently I gave an inclass assignment in which the students researched several diseases of the respiretory system( these were on the test in some form) which included: definition, causes, how diagnosed, treatments, etc. These were common diseases that the students were able to relate to. Later we discussed their findings.
Paul,
Yep, when learning can be made fun, students will participate, enjoy it, and be more likely to retain any instructional material provided in it. And games that provide instruction is way better than plain busy work that may or may not produce any significant learning.
Barry Westling
I like the Jeopardy approach. I usually keep a vocabulary list for my classes. If I run out of material or things are going horribly wrong I split the class into teams and we will game for a half hour or so. It rejuvenates them and I am able to fill in time or get them back on track.
Charmelia,
I think every learning resource is valuable, has it's place, and potentially can be overused. If looked to as tools, every tool has a specific purpose, and using the right tool for a specific job will be more meaningful and effective. "To a hammer, every thing is a nail".
Barry Westling
I never use Powerpoints because I never know if a projector will be available. I am totally old school. I use handouts.
