Get Your Students Hired
It is important to have a plan B in case something goes wrong with the class.
Michael,
Good thoughts. I've found it only takes one awful experience with unplanned events ocurring without a back up plan to prepare for that never to happen again. One instructor said to always have at least one alternate activity for every planned activity. So if I was planning to do some PPT slides, have an alternate plan to provide that information if the technology prevents that. Or if discussion is planned from the textbook, and half the class doesn't have their textbook (I know, students should always have their textbook with them but we're talking back-up preparation here), have a plan to provide needed information. Sometimes the back up plan becomes a very effective first line of instructional delivery, perhaps by accident!
Barry Westling
Every course needs preparation and more so it is very important to have plan-b. Because you never know what may occur in the course of teaching the class. Even though you may know the subject thorughly, a lack of preparation will make you look as if you don't know what you talking about. For example I have been in a situation where the ccomputer had virus and I had to use my overhead projector which I still have.
If you have taught the course before, it might take less preparation, but you still need to think about your next class.
David ,
Good idea. I have used the rules of three, which is my own method of presenting a new idea. The "3's" are simply the initial way I want to present the material. The second is an alternate method. The third part is breaking down the idea or concept into component parts, checking for understanding at each level, so that at completion, I have been assured everyone is on track. If everyone grasps the idea at the first pass, I need not go into futher depth, but am prepared to if needed.
Barry Westling
I always try to make sure that I have at least two different ways to explain and show the material I am teaching. This way if I run into a snag I have a way to explain it differently and relate it to the course of that week. That preparation has come in handy countless times
Justine,
Yeah, back-up plans can be a life saver ion this instance. Failure to prepare is preparing to fail!
Barry Westling
Although education is schedule and doesn't have many unexpected turns it can happen. You may have to adapted to the situations and it is always better to be prepared then caught unprepared.
Sarai,
When I have had to use a plan-b, I was so glad I had taken time to prepare something in advance that was easy to implement, low-tech, and related to the general lesson. Actually, students enjoy a little variety from time to time, and by accident, I have discovered interesting ways to deliver my content.
Barry Westling