Following curriculum
I find it very helpful to deviate slightly from the day to day to keep it interesting.
I feel like if I deviate the curriculum even a little, the students and the instructors get frustrated. I believed is the lack of creativity that challenge the learning process.
When I deviate from the content, I make sure that the deviation supplements (adds on to) the course syllabus and is not used as a shortcut to eliminate the required content standards.
I too find it very helpful to deviate from the topic as some former students will give the new students information about the class and know what to expect, this way the students will be interested in the topics being discussed.
I have found that the students can get easily bored if the lesson is continuously very structured as well as the instructor. With open discussions and questions I find that a teachable moment will usually present itself and leads to further discovery for the student.
I agree, I do stick to my lesson plans as close as possible but I enjoy when my students spark conversations about part of the lesson that interest them, and when other students can chime in on it as well I think they all get a little more out of the lesson for the day then if I didn't allow time for discussion.
I try to stay on task as much as possible. With different learning styles in the classroom, I find it's good to allow spontaneous classroom discussions, especially if the students show an expressed interest in the topic. It keeps the classroom lively and interesting.
Joyce,
I agree. I always make sure to leave a little "wiggle room" in the lesson plan, to account for additional fun class activities or unplanned discussions. Structure is important, however sponteneity can definitely add a "spark" to the class.
Tremayne Simpson
Keeping it very routine can keep the students from "wanting" to learn, its fun to throw a little fun mix into it. Every student does learn differently
I agree. Depending on the type of students that are present in the particular class, I may deviate from my plan. Everyone learns differently.
