planning & preparation
I truly believe that planing & prepation are at the "heart" of teaching. These two elements set the tone for students & help in making the course a success.
Hi Allan,
This is a good point. As a new instructor when a demonstration comes together and the students really get it, it is a great feeling. This builds confidence for the next lecture or demonstration and it keeps going from there.
Gary
Planning and preparation help boost the confidence level of the instructor,especuially new instructors who will find it easier if they have a set sequence of planned activites. This also help create student confidence in the instructor because a well planned class demonstartes to the students that the instructor in confident and has a plan of action for the whole class time.
Hi Patrick,
Good plan for instruction. You are right about the need for organization in order to stay on task and produce maximum learning.
Gary
Absolutely !
I am a firm believer when it comes to be prepared for your class. I love to do demos and I like to be precise so the students can really learn some of the details. We have 2 X 3.5 hour classes a day and only 45 mns for lecture-demo, 10 mns break between classes. 45 mns fly by and you must a have a system. Good daily lesson plans and demos are really key to make your class fun and instructional .
Hi Daniel,
Right you are about how the mind can shut down when in an overwhelming situation. I just experienced that when I took my grandkids to a Chuckie Cheese Pizza Parlor for a birthday party. If you have ever been to one of these places you know what I am talking about, if you haven't you should go just so you can experience sound, sight and stimulation overload without really understanding what is going on. Everything makes perfect sense to a seven year old though.
That is what happens many times when our adult students are "dropped" into a setting that seems overwhelming to them. They need some time to sort out everything and how they fit into the environment. Once they get settled then they are ready to go, but it does take a bit of time and effort to help that happen.
Gary
I know what you mean. The first day of class can be intimidating for students and a lot of the confusion and fear can be eliminated through a comprehensive plan of the subject matter and expectations. It also gives me an opportunity to respond to that puzzled look on the students face when the goals, objectives, etc are outlined. By identifying the students that may be frightened or confused I can take the opportunity in this initial phase of the class to put them at ease. We all know what that it’s like to be overwhelmed. My mind just shuts down, and I don’t wish that on anyone.
In culinary arts we have a saying: Mise en Place.
The translation is "everything in place" The setup for food production. All the preparations and organization that must be made before actual production can begin. This can be applied to teaching, planning and preparation everyday. In our labs,competitions and restaurant, this is essential for success.
Hi Toufik,
You are right about planning and preparation being essential as an instructor. Good planning and preparation also helps instructors to relax as they start a new class because they know they are prepared and ready to teach so they can focus on developing relationships with students since they don't have to worry about what they are going to do in class.
Gary
