Planning and preparation
I like to be prepared for class in advance by keeping a schedule or task manager.The learners appricate that there is no down time we are always on track even with a holiday in are schedule.
Hi Pete,
Good suggestion. This will help to keep the content flowing in a continual fashion as well as making sure nothing is left out.
Gary
I have used this format as well, but also included a log to keep track of where I left off in the class. This way we can pick up where we left off and minimize down time. This has also served me as a guide for future classes where lack of time, as in a holiday, might be a challenge.
For an individual class I usually use my powerpoint slides as a guide through the class, but I also use a simple breakdown of topics if it is a lecture-based course.
Hi Alicia,
Exactly. With all that goes into teaching it is easy to forget what we did throughout the course phase. Notes put into a notebook really helps with this. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I too like the 3 ring binder - but additionally, I appreciate having a place to take notes along with the lecture/class material. That way I have all the material gathered in one place for review & tweaking - sometimes the tweaking doesn't get to take place for a while. If I don't have it written down with the lecture - 3 or 4 weeks later or even at the end of the quarter, I'm not going to remember if what I did in class on such & such date worked/didn't work/what would be more effective.
Hi Herb,
Good strategy. Good planning and preparation make teaching so much easier. Thanks for sharing with the other participants.
Gary
I'm a three ring binder guy. I prep for each course by using a checklist of what needs to be in the binder for the qtr. Then I break down each day with the lesson plan, lists of materials, pages covered, things that need to be done to accomplish the goals for the day/class. If I have multiple sections of that same class it makes life a lot easier.
As a new instructor, I noticed a huge difference from the first day of class-a not so prepared day to the next class meeting. I made sure that I was well prepared for the next class session and it was obvious, each subject matter build on each other. The students were engaged in each subject and the notable light bulb flashed in each of their faces. So planning and preparing for each class is essential to the survival of the class and instructor.
I too find that being prepared for class creates a more positive learning enviroment. A calendar is helpful as well as setting out training aids and demonstrations that I will be using.
Hi John,
A well organized instructor is a good role model for the students. By having and staying on schedule you will accomplish your instructional goals so your students can achieve their learning goals.
Good job.
Gary
