As an instructor a well thought comprehensive plan outlines all the core competencies that need to be covered and ensures if we are on track. It also demonstrates to the students excellent behaviors needed to be successful in whatever endeavors they choose!
MALCOLM,
I agree about the value of a good text. I use supplemental materials as well because no matter how current the text is it seems to still be about two years behind the field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
An excellent book is key to the learning process. Without it, supplemental materials need to be found or made---re-creating the wheel, at times, instead of planning or focusing on retention or the other aspects of career education that are expected of instructors.
Nichelle,
The use of current materials is a real service to the students. This shows that you are staying current with your field and that they are getting the latest information. This is a win win for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Developing a thorough plan up front, helps to ensure that the course runs smoothly. I also have room for supplemental material because the changes that happens in the IT industry. Current event articles helps a lot.
Richard,
So true and yet many instructors do not heed this advice. Without proper planning instructional delivery starts to fall apart and the students become frustrated since they cannot see the direction the course is going nor can they see the value of the content that is being delivered. It is at this point the course basically spins into the ground and fails the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Planning identifies the destination. Good COMPREHENSIVE planning not only allows one to clearly think through the "process", but also prepares the instructor for unexpected challeges and 'detours" along that journey to success. At times when I have moved off my "course" (plan), my prior planning reoriented me toward my educational "destination". Confidence is an important ingredient for instruction, and nothing supplies more confidence than a well thought-out comprehensive course/lecture plan. As the old adage states ... "failing to plan, is a plan to fail"!
John,
You have a good approach to how you set you class sessions up for success. All of the elements contribute to a positive and supportive learning environment.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As with any objective in life, planning is crucial. Without planning, an insturctor will not be in position to succeed. Student are also able to tell when the instuctor is not prepared and has not planeed and done his or her due diligence. I always arrive twenty minutes early for class and plan how I will present the material. In addition, I have spent time previoulsy reviewing the material that I will present that day to insure that I am ready to present the best lecture I can that day.
Joan,
So true and critical to the instructional planning process. Without every step the effort will have gaps that impact the learning process of students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a project manager, I know the importance of comprehensive planning up front. Developing a thorough plan up front, helps to ensure that the course runs smoothly. I can focus on imparting knowledge and skill, rather than worrying about what I am going to do next. Also, by having a comprenensive plan, the students are aware of what is expected--so they don't have to worry about what is coming next.
John, I whole heartedly agree with your statement to make the provided syllabus your own. Students appreciate this, they want a personallized delivery instead of just reading from a syllabus, lesson plan or powerpoint. Each instructor brings their own set of experiences and students want to hear what they are. Even if we are not allowed by administration to alter syllabii we can teach more than what's given us. In my area of teaching, Culinary, students want to know how the course material relates to the current industry. It's up to the instructors to make the material relevent.
Lisa,
Preparation is essential as we know but the preparation needs to not only focus on specific content but examples, case studies and other strategies for reinforcing the content. With this type of planning instructors will be able to engage their students throughout each class session.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One must do their own studying of the material in preparation for lecture. The material will most likely be foreign to the student and they will have questions, it is imperative that the instructor understand the course content so that they can impede proper answers and develop discourse of students to discuss content being instructed.
Lisa Johnstone
I agree with you John, instructors need to have flexibility to adust and teach the way they see fit. I also think that a syllabus is an excellent way to make sure the instructors don't pick and choose what they think is important. This way every student no matter what instructor they have, receives the same general education. I guess there is a fine line to it all?
Georgette,
I am sure you are going to get a lot of good comments from other instructors that have worked through process from novice to experienced instructor. As a long time instructor I will tell you that you will soon start to put your own personality into the curriculum you are teaching. We call this "personalizing" it. You can stay with the standardized content you were given but add personal examples, current events and other components that help you make the course yours.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a new instructor, having a standardized outline, syllabus, etc., has eased the process and taken the anxiety out of the prep work. As time goes on and I feel more confident and competent as an instructor, I can start to tweek and even prepare my own from scratch. Has anyone had this experience? Do you find that you do eventually break away from the standardized format and do your own thing?
Thank you
Kristopher,
Good point about early and comprehensive planning. With good planning comes the opportunity to focus on the student while in class because you know what you are going to do and have planned on how the content will be presented.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Early and comprehensive planning gives any endeavor a better chance for success. With all of the variables associated with teaching a course, it seems even more important.
SHIVA,
I use a "course requirement" sheet as well to support the syllabus. I do because the one page handout lists the course requirements (projects and quizzes) that are covered in-depth in the syllabus. I find as do the students this extra reminder a good way to get them focused on the course requirements plus can see the due dates and points assigned to each item. Just another reminder that students need and appreciate.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
