Hi Teresa:
Games are terrific. Having a selection that can relate at least to a concept loosly related to the core topic work best. What's good, these are simlple, low tech, can be initiated at the drop of a hat, and student enjoy them - therefore they remember information that has been emphasized.
Regards, Barry
This has been a challenge for me especially since my class meets once a week for 4 hrs of instruction. The need to break at certain points, mix up instructional strategies and read the students for engagement has been particularily challenging. I try to utilize the natural breaks, i.e. each chapter is broken into modules so I give them a 10-15 min break at the end of each module. I have my syllabus divided into learning modules so that students are aware of the intended content for each class. I practice new content to see how it affects my timelines. Overall at the end of each class I re-evaluate my plan to see what worked and what did not.
I use games as a way to redirect their focus.
depending on the size of the class some will work faster than other classes so I like to have other projects for them to do that is related to what we are doing
Hi Kilyoung:
Back up plans can be very helpful, especially on that dreaded day when nothing is working, or available, and everything is going cracy. It's chaos! But a sensible back up plan that can be intiated quickly with little preparation, little technology, and is related to the the topic can be a lifesaver!
Regards, Barry
Hi Lloyd:
I think this is a good plan. Back up planning is simply expecting what could go wrong, and developing a foolproof way to keep the student engaged under unexpected circumstances.
Regards, Barry
Hi David:
Good back up plans are easy to implemment, can be initiated on short nbotice, are low tech and do not rely on electronic media, and are related to the current topic or subject matter.
Regards, Barry
I always feel blessed to be teaching Culinary Arts because like an onion the layer and sub layerts are endless.Be it lecture or industry stories or a variation like all professions the back up plan should be carried with you like a daily friend.
As an Instructor we deal with different personalities everyday. In that time we are trying toi teach them and most of the time it's hands on. During the period we tend to loose some students attention, so what i like to do is call everyone up and show them one more time, with more detail or maybe even write it out step by step. Calling them up has always been my backup plan because it redirects their attention.
Melanie
I did not think about a back-up plan, but I sure will now.
A method I like to use alot is having pre-slotted time frames. Working in a hands on lab can vary from class to class, depending mainly on their skill set and their "in the moment mood". By setting these time frames it helps to gauge to class progress and lets me adjust better for the situation and change things if need it; like start another task a little later or rescheduling or dropping off a portion to a later time.
Hi Patricia:
Interesting! I've done this exercise before and it is effective in breaking up tired "listening" lectures. It gets the students up and moving around, and probably help-0s get that old blood circulating, and it's just so unexpected that students do laugh and have fun with it.
I've used that more when I need to mreingage students, not so much a back up plan. A good back-up plan should potentially be able to last the whole period - I don't think this activity would pass that test!
Regards, Barry
I implement Range of Motion exercises when I notice students interest is lacking. Students repeat the motion as they perform the technique. Example, abduction, adduction. They are learning during this movement activity at the end of the range of motion students face the back of the room in lines give eachother shoulder massages, reverse line and give other shoulder massages, students are smiling and laughing at the end of the activity. This only takes about 10 minutes the teaching opportunity lasts for the remaining class session.
Hi Christine:
Having your PPT handouts is a great example of a good back-up plan. So often, especially with technolgy, difficulties can be frequent.
The biggest thing about having a back up plan is when it's needed, it'll be viewed as invaluable, in a "saved the day" kind of way. That's really where it's benefit will become apparent.
Regards, Barry
If I am planning on using any technology, I always plan a "Plan B" scenario for the class session as technology often can have issues. I also print out an outline if I plan on using a PowerPoint lecture that I can use the board to help complete the lecture in case of technology issues.
Hi Joseph:
Phiosophically sound. More simply, a good back up plan is something we can put into action when all that we have planned is prevented for whatever reason. Something that's relevant, can be implemmented with relatively little preparation, and requires little in regards to technology. A good back up plan will be worth it's weight in gold "when that day-from-hell" arrives!
Regards, Barry
Understand the vastness of the information to be delivered during the class. Every subject has many different views and perceptions. Being able to engage students from different angles shows the instructors unique understanding of individuality.
Terri:
Good back up plans are activities (or video/DVD/CD) that require little preparation, can be implemmented on short notice, and don't require too much resources. These could be team challenges, Q&A; jeopardy-style competions; demonstrations; skills practive; group study; student led lectures; work related discussions, etc. Really, hundreds of possibilities.
More effective back-ups will be closely related to the general topic at hand. If possible, we want the activity to appear seamless, as if this is what was planned to start with. Having a few really good back up plans can really save the day when all that was planned just can't happen for whatever reason.
Regards, Barry
I always have my class prep done prior to the week I start. But now always can I follow this. Depends on supplys, students and other factors. If I can not follow what I prepped, I change my program for the day ie.. usually I start with lecture and then clinical lab. But here recently I have switched the two, it has gotten students more active in the lecture part. Supplies play a big factor so I always have a 2nd pla prepped for this occasion. Video content on subject matter, and also a review games over the content that has all students involved.. Group discussion over content as well.
Blanche:
Wonderful way to always have an activity that can done with little preparation.
Regards, Barry
