Get Your Students Hired
Hi Dianne:
Good idea - this would allow the instructor to prepare lesson plans that work for every type of learner, this making for amore effective learning period.
Regards, Barry
Hi Donna:
Another thing that back up plans are good for are delivering information in another way, which can support the idea that teaching with different methodology supports all types of learners.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jennifer:
One broad back-up is just the willingness to do different things if whatever instruction tool you are using is not working.
Regards, Barry
Hi Debra:
Games are always a fun way of breaking up the material in a new way.
The one thing we as instructors need to be careful of is if we have too many activities that distract the student away from the material.
On the other hand, it is an equal consideration keeping the student interested in the material, and sometimes a game can do that very thing.
Regards, Barry
Hi Lacey:
What we're really talking about here is using multiple teaching methods to get a point across.
This idea goes back to using different strategies to teach to all the types of learners - visual, audio, and kinesthetic (or hybrids of these).
Regards, Barry
Hi Marshall:
In addition, one thing to consider is that ALWAYS having multiple activities is the best way to teach.
Doing so might address the different types of learning styles that make up our student groups.
Regards, Barry
Hi Marcia:
Back up plans can serve another rolse as well. Alternate activities might serve to reinforce learning by giving the student another perspective of the material.
For example, instructors might try lecture, followed by an activity that focuses on discussion in small groups.
Regards, Barry
Hi Lenore:
Great point - having alternative activities is a great way to keep the lesson plan fresh, and break out of the monotony that can sometimes accompany lectures.
Regards, Barry
I like back-up plans for when the instructor is absent. it really helps in an emergency situation and everyone benefits.
Hi Catherine:
Indeed - and, it may be a good idea to do this anyway to change up the class environment from time to time.
This of course is as time allows.
Regards, Barry
Hi Thomas,
By sticking to a topic at the level a students can understand, and not moving ahead supports the wisdom of "not leaving a student behind".
Regards,
Barry
I always try to have plan "B" as small group or paired work. And I have a plan "C" folder of current articles from magazines or the USA Today that I use if I feel we really need to try something refreshing. I use these to discuss issues etc and it usually gets them going again because a lot of times it's something they have seen on TV or in other media.
My backup plans for instructional development include more hands on material. If i am lecturing on a particular surgical procedure and the students are not grasping it, I will include equipment and instrumentation into the lecture. Showing them exactly what I am talking about helps them and also when it comes time to do mock procedures the students have already seen the necessary equipment and are quicker at picking up how to use it. Secondly, when all else fails, I show videos on the procedures I am lecturing. This way the students can follow along step by step and also when it comes time for mock procedures they have a better understanding.
You never know when a situation may arise and you are unable to attend class or you lose power and have no computer access. I always print off copies of my powerpoint in case of an emergency. Also, all faculty members are required to have emergency lesson plans if we are unable to attend class at the last minute. Backup plans that I have include: games, case studies, worksheets, and video's.
Because video production can at times be unpredictable, I always have alrernative projects planned. This also teaches the students, as they observe, the value of flexibility and problem solving. The tv/film industry is full of ladt minute changes.
Sometimes the backup plan can be spontaneous. Take a step back and asses the energy of a class. Put the student into their eventual field and have them utilize the content in this situation. Or think of an instance from my experience to bring relevance to the topic. It seems to reel them back in.
Most of the classes I have are hands on. Sometimes when I present a procedure to the students I observed that some students are very fast learners and other not so much. After my presentation I make them do the same procedure and I observe how they work with themselves if the pick up stuff fast I challenge them to find another way to do it with the same turn out. If they have trouble finding the reason why something does not come out the way they want but they cannot figure it out. I do what they are doing and make them observe me. Alot of times that help them see what their missing while they are performing the procedure
Good back-up plans are reviewing important material that might be on a test, putting students into groups to discuss a chosen topic discussed the day before. Handouts and games are always fun for students.
I ALWAYS have a backup plan. I try to prepare worksheets or reading for early finishers when testing. When relying on technology, I always have some kind of activity set aside in case the technology in the classroom fails.
I always think of at least two ways to do something or explain something! Some people need the information to be presented to them in a different way! Not everyone learns that same! I am big on using hand outs and something else hands on in addition to my lectures.