I try to manage the course material for the class based on the subject that is being covered. I feel that the students tend to retain alot of the subject matter through case studies and class discussions. I try to incorporate that into my lesson plan and keep the pace of the information that needs to be covered within the allotted time.
It is important to pace the material you are presenting in a timely manner.
Anthony,
I have also found that this method is effective. It is especially useful to serve as a "recap" list of reviewed topics, in the final minutes of the class.
Tremayne Simpson
Sections of the lessons such as lectures, Q&A, test and other forms of assessment and participation are all structured around specific time line.
So far, I've found that the most efficient tactic is to list all of the topics I intend to cover on the board at the beginning of the class. It looks like a list to myself, really, just a word or two relating to each topic off on the far side of the board. As I finish each one, I check it off with a red marker. This way, the students have a way of marking the progress of the class. On their own, they tailor their comments and questions to accommodate the time slot without any intervention on my part.
I try to be as flexable as possible with my plans. I outline what we need to cover each day after recapping the the last lesson. Depending on the class I will adjust the timing to meet their needs best. Some need more classroom time and some need more hands-on lab time. I always try and have some time each day to work in items of intrest to the students that are not in the course but are timely and pertain to the subject.
i adjust my class as needed to keep up with the students learning, if i move to quick it can hinder there growth, glenn
We have discussions during the lessons about their experiences pertaining to the topic. Furthermore, if I have the oportunity, I show the students in a lab activity the topic in action.
My course run in 3 week intervals and I usually repeat in the same course. I have the timing down due to experience and can easily accomodat a meeting, snow day or a class with a unique learning style.
Carol,
This is an excellent suggestion. If time permits, do you allow the students to reflect upon the three main topics that they learned about that day? It is a great tool to assess the students' retention of information and application of topics.
Thank you for your post.
Tremayne Simpson
Good point Jennifer. I like to plan on having extra time for student questions and class discussion. There has to be room for flexibility.
Carol Myslinski
Hello,
I try not to overwhelm students with too much information. Three is a number that works for me. I usually cover three main topics. I always have extra related material in case I need to utlize more time, but this rarely happens.
Carol Myslinski
Experience with the material is the best. I also know that I have to finish and try to save questions til the end.
using a time table laying out when each section should be presented will help keep things on track
I often engage students in active discussion sessions pertaining to the topic.
Crystal,
I agree. It is important to leave time in the schedule (typically towards the end of the course) to allow for discussion of missed learning objectives. "Flex time" also provides us with the opportunity to "check-in" with students for retention of information and how they will apply the information in the future.
Tremayne Simpson
I try to stay on track as much as possible according to the syllabus. If I stray, I have to be flexible and fit in that particular objective elswhere. I always try to leave myself a cushion of window of time though.
John,
This is an effective method for assessing the time that it takes to deliver a lecture. In addition, it enables you to review the content and add additional questions, depending on the amount of time that is taken.
Tremayne Simpson
Using the course Syllabus and after the first couple of Days you get the feel for the class and then planning can be made accordingly .
after teaching a course for a length of time, you learn where you can add in real life examples, when teaching a class for the first time i write down exactly how the lead instructor managed the class, then follow that as my guide.
