Planning and preparation
I believe the key to success is being able to plan and prepare thoroughly. Students, where on ground or online can see this and being prepared is essential. If we take the time upfront this can add value in a number of ways.
Janice
Hi George,
This is why instructors need to be dynamic and action oriented even when giving a lecture. This will keep the students engaged and focused on the course content.
Gary
I usually have points I need to achieve in class and go from there. I work off the students reactions and if they are falling asleep I start changing my lecture into more interaction.
Also I found out that moving around them keeps them on their toes. Standard lectures from the podium don't work very well.
I completely agree. Preparation is everything. Students know when the instructor in unprepared.
I agree, I think it is essential to pre plan and have all the days, copies, outlines, tools, in our case food and equipmemnt arranged ahead of time. This teachs organization, time management and professionalism. these are important attributes once in the field
Hi Michael,
Thank you for sharing this example of how through experience additional strategies were brought into your teaching toolkit. You are right about how important planning and preparation is to providing the opportunities for more creativity and spontaneity.
Gary
When I started out as an instructor, I felt that spontaneity and creativity were essential ingredients of my style, and I focused on developing those qualities; however, I did so at the cost of planning and preparing. While I still believe those two ingredients (spontaneity and creativity) are very important, I realize more and more as I go along that planning and preparation are essential to the success of every effort I make in class. Planning doesn't reduce the opportunity for spontaneously creating new directions in the classroom-- indeed, it makes it more possible and increases the effectiveness of the result.
Hi Janice,
No question that preparation pays big dividends for you and your students. It shows them they they are getting a return on their investment (ROI) because they have a dedicated professional helping them to achieve their career goals.
Gary
