being prepared for class
It is very important to be prepared for every class.
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for outlining a planning plan for instructors. You are right about having lessons put together in advance so you can use them as needed. Also, the point you make about taking students to the lab for a demonstration is a good one. By having the students get up and move you help them to refocus their brains and concentrate on the next learning component that will be coming up. Helps with relevancy as well.
Gary
There is no doubt, being prepared before class not only makes our lives easier, but the students will get more out of the class due to a lack of down time. Having 3 or 4 lesson plans is definitely a good idea, but being a little flexible with your current lesson plan sometimes works just as well. Sometimes a short trip to the lab to demonstrate a test procedure breaks up the monotony of having all class time and helps to keep the students alert and interested, and occasionally gets the information to the student that was having a hard time understanding what we are referring to in the class.
Being well prepared is very important! I try to plan ahead of time and at least sketch out a general plan for the day. I read someone suggested having three or four different plans--I try to have alternatives or additional work in case we finish faster than planned. In addition, it is important to be flexible as every class is different. That is why we have the "syllabus is subject to change" clause.
In training any instructor I am responsible for, this in one of the biggest impressions I try to impart. They will repeatedly here the phrase from me in the 6 weeks I have them, "If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail." There are no exceptions to this rule that I've come across as of yet.
For a sussesfull class is streambly important to prepare it before, to have different strategies, and dinamic activities.
I agree with everything that is being expressed. In my room, the tables, chairs, computers and training aids are set up to show a very organized environment. This is what I want the students to see on the first day they arrive in class. Their assignments are on the board, with the dates they need to be completed by, so there are no questions regarding their work. Also, the appearance of the classroom is to be maintained by the students. It is expected to look the same when they leave as when they arrived.
Also, if you are having a bad day, your students will have a bad day. It is important to leave any problems you have at the door, otherwise it will affect your students. They pick up on your mood very quickly, so it is important to show them your "Happy Face".
being prepared for class makes everything go smoothly and effectively.
As has been written by my colegues, the first impressions are the lasting and most defineing moment as a new phase starts.Having things in order, room neatly arrainged and the instructor ready to go really sets the stage for the course. Facial expressions mean alot when it comes time to pass a part around and it can't be found. We have to put a good spin on things when that happens. I usually end up saying something to the effect that I am sorry and I forgot where I put it last. I always make sure that I follow up and find the missing items.
I agree with Stan. I like to have the room in order, tables straight, training aids out and ready, topics on the board, all hand out sheets printed. Last but not least, have a good game plan. So be prepared to come in eary!
A student's perception of the class is developed as he/she walks into the room. If pass around parts or hand out sheets are already laid out and the instructor does not have to fumble to get set up in a panic mode, the students will generally not be distracted as easily. This will allow the class to flow and the objectives can be met much easier.
Really not sure what Dan meens here but I do agree its an outstanding idea
Yes, what an outstanding idea. Most time is spent lacking in the internal struggles of a student's relationship with the ongoing extrusion of one's own sociological grievances.
Having 3 TO 4 differant lesson plans ready is the key to being prepared for class.
