i like to keep a copy of the student workbook open with notes that I have taken over the course of teaching for several years to help keep track of what they are seeing compared to what I am showing through the power point. when teaching a course I am unfamiliar with this is the first thing I ask for from an instructor with more experience then I in that course.
I always keep an Ace or two in my back pocket that relates to the subject; that is to say that I always have additional activities that I can pull out to make the transition look seamless if I finish the class material early.
A lesson plan is used for each class that I teach. In addition, for each activity or assignment that will be given in class...often time management is based on the amount of students enrolled in the class. I always assign short times to the students verbally and it keeps them engaged and on task because they want to finish to receive credit. However, some activities I am aware that the time will need to be extended. I monitor the studnets and we just work according to their interactions and understanding of the material.
I usually save extra time during my last class of the week. If I need to cover anything I might have not covered during the week, I do it then. If I am caught up on everything, this can be a great opportunity for some extra "fun" activities that really do enhance my student's learning.
My program relies on case studies as well and I use them both as time fillers and homework assignments.
Allison, I enjoyed reading your post. Case studies are an excellent way to keep students engage in the lesson and encourage dialogue. It requires critical thinking, which is important at the postsecondary level. One activity I use is journal writing. I write a topic on the board, and give the students some time (approximately 15 minutes) to write about it. After time is up, the students share what they have written. The students are made aware that what is written will be shared.
You mentioned having several "canned" segments to help fill time should the session move quicker than normal. If you do not mind, can you provide an example of a "canned" segment?
Making sure that I have planned enough content pertinent activities for class has been a challenge at times. Over the years, I have employed the following to help keep me on track:
1. I take into account the length of the class. Due to teaching at multiple schools, I must tailor activities to fit a course lasting anywhere from 2-4 hours.
2. I look at the amount of time it takes to set up an activity, execute it, and how many students are in class. Needless to say, many activities go over better with large groups. The larger the class, the more group activities I utilize. If a class is smaller, I will give similar activities that work well on an individual level. Keeping students engaged the entire time in class makes the day/evening go by faster.
3. I prioritize activities based on importance. I plan more than enough activities to get through the class; I rather have too many than a lot of dead space. Dead space in a class can bring about chaos. Prior to the start of class, I write down which activities must be completed, and save the "least" important ones for the end of class (if they are not completed, it will not affect the covering of objectives).
I am always open to learning more effective strategies when it comes to time management.
Jon-Paul,
What subject(s) do you teach?
Tremayne Simpson
Having back-up material is a great plan. I teach philosophy to graphic art students and time management for the lengthy class is one of my biggest challenges.
we use class timelines, in the lab the students need to create their own timelines
You must know your students and there abilities to keep your lessons on track . Lesson plans should be dynamic and able to change with different learning styles . I always have enough lessons to keep track but I can modify if my class blows through what I have .On the other hand if I have a class that struggles I also have a plan so that they don't fall behind .
I use a power point presentation to make sure I am focused on the content that needs to be covered. However, if there are more questions than anticipated I also can utilize the power point to make notes regarding what needs to be covered during the next class.
I actually go over my Lesson Plan prior to its first use in class and mark progress points in 15 minute increments. Using this system, I know that I should be at a certain point in the lesson at a specific time. This helps me not to wander off my plan. Like most instructors, I have a short canned extension available for each lesson. These usually involve a practical example of the concept used in the lesson.
the time management strategies I often use to ensure that I am “keeping pace†with the lesson plans, involves questioning. Luckily, I work at an academy that involves learners for all the military services. This diverse student population always provides excellent student conversations. It is often difficult to keep them within the time limit of the class
One time management strategy I like to utilize is making sure there are smooth, yet quick transitions between different activities in the lesson. I do not like to wasting time in my classroom and if I have to use resources or pass out documents I have everything ready and organized before the start of class.
My classes are two hours long and I often find that my lecture finishes earlier than expected. I will have little lesson plans on Math, or other related subjects, that I can always use to eat up the remaining time in class. Also the use of study guides or some interactive tool helps.
As math instructor, I have extra material planned in case a class moves quicker than anticipated. I have math problems ready for review...some easy, some more difficult...to keep everyone challenged.
Case scenario is great I use that along with having my students write out a few quiz questions per group on what we discussed. I use these on the next day to see if they have retained the information and it is also a good tool to use as a review. The students love this as it lets them be interactive in their learning style.
I often incorporate a "question & answer" segment after each topic. It helps me make sure the class is comprehending and it allows the students to clear up any confusion. The Q & A also helps prepare the group for quizzes.
