New teacher being prepared
Need helpful suggestions on understanding objectives and goals. I am learning the importance of being prepared as I see the students "testing"me.
Misty,
Try breaking the content down into small segments and then think about what would be a creative way to present that content that would be interesting. Instead of just lecturing think about other formats such as individual student projects/reports, student panels, guest speakers, etc.. The more variety you can bring into the classroom the more focus the students will have on acquiring the content. If you get a chance talk with some elementary teachers. I know it sounds strange but many of the techniques that work with third graders work with adults. You just upgrade the examples but they still work. Adult learners like to play games and be competitive with each other just like children. So use learning games in your classes as well. Hope some of the ideas will work for you. Any questions let me know.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I am new to the teaching industry. I too find students "testing" my knowledge. I feel I am good at preparing and organizing my lecture material but it's presenting the material to the students I struggle with. I struggle with ways to present the material so it keeps the students atttention and they find the class interesting.
I am also new to teaching, and want to thank everyone for their input it is very helpful.
Hi Steven,
Great information on how to encourage and mentor new instructors. The key is to continue to learn and grow in your skills as you grow as a professional.
Gary
In my 30th year of teaching, much of my time is now spent with new teachers, helping them "find their feet" in their chosen profession. It's time well spent, for both them and me. The longer we teach, the more effort we need to expend on learning new ideas and strategies that help our students learn, and this happens naturally when we mentor new teachers. It's a win-win situation.
Even when you well prepared they will test to see what they can get away with.
Hi Michael,
Reviewing the material before class is essential. No matter how many times you have presented the material before you need to review it. Your approach helps you to feel comfortable when you are in front of the class plus it gives you a level of confidence so you can stay on track. Well said.
Gary
I really believe that going over the subject matter the night before is vital. It reduces the odds of something unexpected throwing you off track.
I think this is very helpful and keeps students ahead of the game plan.
Hi Melissa,
You make a good point about preparation. Can't be too prepared because there is always something coming up that forces you to pull on your knowledge base and by being prepared you will have the answer you need.
Gary
Yes, students will "test" you if they sense you are not prepared and that can set a bad tone for the class session. I have learned that the more preparation you do always leads to a better lecture
Im a new instructor and i do see the importance of being prepare on any subjet that we have to teach, because i have notice that the students test you on the knowledge about a subject.
Also think that the company should provide the new instructor with some guidelines in how they want you to teach the class and how they want the subject deliver to the students that way every instructor is in the same page and the students dont get confused
Hi Terrance,
Good plan. This way your students have a "heads up" on the next day. Do your students respond well to you doing this? Do they see that as being helpful?
Gary
I try to write the objectives for the next day on the board so my students have a chance to prepare for the next day as well.
Hi David,
I commend you for all of your efforts to develop your teaching skills. You are on the right track with all of your preparations. Keep up the good work. You will find after you get through the first cycle of your teaching that it will get much easier due to your experience. Keep up your excitement and don't let yourself get worn down with all of your efforts. All keep in mind the reason you became a teacher and that is to have a part in training the next generation of professionals in your career.
Gary
My supervisor is always prepared to inform me on the objectives of my current course and how it relates to the program as a whole. I am also learning the importance of being prepared. Every night I am forcing myself to study the next day's lesson and take notes expanding on my knowledge of the subject. I have found that it is boosting my confidence in front of the students. As far as them testing me, I try to have answers to all of the subject in the lesson, but if they have a question about something relevant that's not in the lesson and I don't have an answer, I tell them that I will have an answer for them the next day. I right the question down and research it that night.
