time management
I have to agree that time management is one of the most important things as an instructor. I use a lot of "to do" list and try extremely hard to stay on task.
I also feel that my organizational skills help with my time management. I have everything in binders or folders.
geary,
This is an excellent point. I feel that lesson plans should not be too restrictive, in that there is limited time to have "off-topic" conversations with the class. Those types of conversations positively impact student engagement, however it is important to make sure that there is a link (direct or indirect) to the lesson, in order to keep the class focused.
Tremayne Simpson
At what point does managing time become more important than the thought being conveyed. As a student who has observed instructors staying within a time structure, the topic of interest can be so rushed that participation is limited or totally excluded. Lesson plans are a guide to presenting essential instruction and being aware of time is just as important but I wonder if the atmosphere of interaction and talking about topics interesting the students is lost. I sometime will purposely go off topic to create involvement and to talk about issues that students are interested in. Yes, the course material may not be covered for the moment, but I do have their attention which I might not have had if I stayed on time getting that lecture in. Just wondering?
I relate to you keeping everything in binders and folders. I also keep a running teaching guide that ebbs and flows from quarter to quarter. The previous quarter's notes are incorporated into the document for the current and following ones.
How do you handle your teaching guide?
Time management is essential in all situations and it is very important to keep you track.
