Amy,
So true in relation to preparation. Going into a class organized and prepared enables you to relax and enjoy teaching so much more. Thank you for these good words of advice for all instructors, especially those just starting out teaching.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You want to feel comfortable delivering the lessons and knowledge the students need. In order to do this early preparation is key. If you take the time you need to create goals, lesson plans and practicing your delivery you are more likely to be aware of any information you may miss. You may also have time for someone else to give input into your lessons so you can create a better environment for your students.
Veronica,
As you say without a comprehensive plan you and the students won't know where the class is going and what is going to happen while the class is in session. This is not the way to be an educational leader yet many instructors try to teach this way.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Early and comprehensive planning is important not only to the instructor but as well as the students. If the instructor does not have a plan for the day, students can easily ignore the instructor or fall out of the educational setting. Having a roadmap is beneficial to both instructor and student so the learning process can be executed without interruption.
It makes our insructional efforts easier. It also helps to make sure we cover everything we need to go over for that day.
Sandra,
Your last sentence sums up the value of good planning beautifully. Being prepared in this way makes teaching a lot more fun and greatly reduces stress for both we instructors as well as the students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Structure can be so important for the teacher and the student. With enough planning consistent structure is developed and can be maintained. It also allows time for the unforseen circumstances that tend to arise.
Early and comprehensive planning is so important for instructional success. Planning early helps instructors dodge nearly every case scenario in presenting lesson plans. It also helps in receiving materials in a timely manner and gives the instructor time to tweak, polish, and fortify lesson plans. Comprehensive planning ensures no small detail is missed and no component misplaced. It allows the instructor to present materials effectively and to step back, look at the whole as well as the parts. Early and comprehensive planning makes instructional road trips a pleasant journey.
To become as prepared as possible. This will also allow time to evaluate your plan to adjust for any previously unseen situations.
