Reflecting after class to enhance future planning
I'm curious how instructors use reflection after a class session to enhance future planning for teaching the material from the session. This, obviously, would mostly apply to a class you teach more than once.
I try to take notes after each class about the content, what worked well, what didn't, materials used, etc. I then try to use these notes when I teach the class again so that I can better plan.
Any other strategies for reflecting or recording after class to better prepare in the future?
I basically do as you discuss...just looking at what went well, what didn't and how it could be improved upon for next time. I am always tweeking my class content from quarter to quarter.
Hi Brady! My first two years as an instructor, I journaled after each class. Right now, I'm in my seventh year of instruction and am returning to this practice.
Hi Scott,
Exactly. Experience can really help with instructional improvement if you can remember what you did. By making notes about your successes and methods improvement will occur with each class taught.
Gary
Recording what worked and what didnt work in each class is important to future planning. One can use the same reflection in regard to planning the entire course over a quarter or semester. How much content, content emphasis, time alloted to the content etc. in each class period will effect how you plan the entire class next time. Goal is to reflect, learn and improve the next time you teach the class.
