Anticipating Problems
Having a backup plan does not only happen in school. It can also happen at work.
When I first started working for a doctor's office, it just so happened that the area would always be hit by a thunderstorm that would cause power surge or power fluctuations or worse, even a blackout.
Having a backup plan would always prove handy in cases of emergency.
The same thing in class. If the PowerPoint machine does not work, it is good to have a backup plan with making the students follow your lecture by having their textbook open and highlight or write notes as we go along.
Sometimes we also will be transferred to a lecture room because there is an immediate need for the computer room. I explain to the students that we have to transfer to the lecture room and since we have no access with the computers, we will do the lectures instead and catch up tomorrow with the computer work.
I always assure the students not to worry we will have time to catch up.
With regards coding practices, I always have coding exercises available for the students to practice on if they are not clear with some coding guidelins.
By having a backup plan, the student will not even notice that there was a chang of plan and that it is business as usual.
Hi Ramon:
I have run into the issue of the "sharper" students tend to get a bit bored when we are forced to slow down the pace like you describe here. When this happens, a good idea might be to break the students into groups and have them work together on a discussion that would force them to gain a different perspective on the material.
Regards, Barry
As you have said, a good back up plan runs so smoothly that the students won't even be able to tell that a back up plan has been activated.
It is also very important that we constantly adapt the pace of our teaching according to the pace of the majority of the students in the class.
Sometimes, this may entail shortening the coverage, which shall take additional time from the next class, or teaching materials in advance and may require materials prepared in advance.
I always prepare handouts and other materails for the whole duration of the course to minimize surprises.
Hi Marlo:
You've cited a couple of good examples.
I think anticipating problems by having adequete and effective back-up plans is a valuable resource,especially on the awful day day nothing seems to be going as planned.
Good back-up plans, for me, are ones that can be initiated on relatively short notice, are low tech, cover essential material related to the course, and still contribute to leaning outcomes and daily or course objectives.
Good starting categories might include discussion activities, worksheets, Q&A, and coursereview activities.
Regards, Barry
