David,
This is a nice flow of content delivered via different media. This will offer a chance of pace for the students while keeping them engaged and this will enhance their focus on the information being shared.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have been using a wide variety of supplimental materials, in my classes. Especiallly short dvd and video presentations. it breaks up the lectures and gives the students another avenue to learn about the topic. I conduct a part of the class as a lecture, then some type of a/v presentation and then we have a group dissusion after the first to elements. I have encouraged students to bring in material they know about and feel would be useful to add to the discussion.
Katherine,
Thank you for these comments about the necessity for planning and the the use of scaffolding. This is how the ladder of knowledge is climbed and the skills acquired.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Early and comprehensive planning is so important for instructional success in nursing education because of the scaffolding nature of how the nursing knowledge is obtained. Nursing education is a "picture perfect" example of Vygoski's principle of scaffolding. Without a carefully prior planning to building any scaffold, the scaffold foundation will collapse.
Theresa,
This is how you move your student from being passive to active learners. The more they are involved the greater the retention of content there will be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think this is key, and to pull the students into the discussion and mix things up some.
I agree with Joan planning is vary important also your attendance i dont take off any time if i can help it
Brandon,
Good point and one that every instructor needs to remember as he or she prepares for classes.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
it is important so that you look and sound professional to the students so that they are engaged and ready to learn the content of the course and it also helps with staying on track with the course
David,
Well said and so true. Planning is the foundation for success as we know but it is surprising how many instructors do not plan well and as a result they try to just ad lib their way through classes. Doesn't take long for them to become frustrated because they do not have the respect of their students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Early and Comprehensive planning is so important for instructional success, if it's done well, because the plan brings focus and coherence to activities and helps ensure unity of purpose, alignment, and clear accountability. As the cliche goes, "If you fail to plan (properly), you plan to fail (drastically)".
I agree that a good plan sets the students and instructors up to succeed. When I review materials or am learning a new topic, I try to see it from both the student and educator perspective. That helps me determine how to deliver the information. I also try to incorporate reading, visual, tactile and auditory into the course. Using multiple approaches helps each person depending on their preferred learning style.
Lee-Ellen,
This is such a good idea as it lets you be creative as you select your approach. This way you don't have to rush into the class at the last minute trying to decide what you are going to cover. You can get settled in and feeling comfortable as the class starts.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Lee-Ellen,
I think the "feel" is very important in getting a class off to a good start. You can get a read for the students and then start your session knowing you are focused on their needs for that class meeting.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to make my plans as early as possible so that I can review them and adjust them before I begin to teach the course. This also gives me adequate preparation time to gather resources from different places, arrange for guest speakers and so on.
Many of my students are sensitive to the "feel" of the room upon entering. I try very hard to be in the classroom before my students enter so that I can set the tone. I may be reviewing my lesson plan for the class, but I have my materials, tests,homework to return, etc ready for class. By preparing my plan in advance, I am able to do this easily. With this plan, the tone for the class is set.
Being prepared and knowledgeable in your course curriculum demonstrates competence. This develops trust from your students which enhances their learning.
planning is important so the instructor can make the best use of the limited time they have with students.
Robert,
Good point and thank you for making it. Being prepared really helps with confidence and with confidence comes an increased level of student engagement and enthusiasm for teaching. A win win for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I TOTALLY agree, Melannie! LESS stress!!! Absolutely!
