Planning and preparing for class
An instructor should always be well prepared for the subject being taught. This includes having a lesson plan (and following it), being familiar with the material, and above all teach in a manner that will interest the student.
Instructors should not: just read out of the textbook, constantly sit behind a desk, say the words 'shut up' or not answer a questions from a student.
Instructors should walk around the class while lecturing, ask questions during the lecture, use visal aids like power points as much as possible, get the students involved in group activities (which help develop critical thinking skills).
Actively teaching is as essential as actively learning for students. Instructors that are prepared and enthusiastic about the subject at hand will have a great respect from their students and better results.
Hi Kanisha,
Good way to use input and current knowledge to project into the next course. As a result I am sure each time you teach a course you have new ideas and strategies you can use.
Gary
A week before the ending of every module
i prepare and plan for the upcoming start by allowing my last module to give me a brief summary on ideas that would help improve my class.
A calendar is a great idea! I hadn't thought of that. I think I will do this for my next course.
Hi Catherine,
This is the way to show improvement as an educator is to look for ways to expand your knowledge of different learning preferences and then customizing your instruction to meet the needs of your current students.
Gary
You can always detect when an instructor shows up for class and is just "winging it". The best way to have an effective classroom experience is to take the time to prepare for class. It helps to have many activities planned, if one style is not working out ie. lecture, you can switch to another activity that meets the needs of the students better. It is always better to over prepare, than to be stuck with nothing planned, and a non-attentive class.
Hi Jose,
Good approach. You are right about the need for instructors to be pro-active and excited about what they are teaching. This is what gets the students motivated and engaged in the learning process.
Gary
This is one of the facets of teaching that I consider as one of my strengths. While I have seen and heard other instructors deliver their content by reading to the class, I firmly believe that students will not respond favorably to that method nor will they get something substantial from the lecture if done that way. Students may just as well remain at home to do their own reading, if that is done by an instructor.
Instructors should be pro-active! Our main tasks as instructors would be to deliver the material with as much gusto and enthusiasm. This means that we have a strong mastery of the course topic being presented. We should also act as sounding boards for our students. We clarify points that our students find confusing for them to arrive at a better understanding of the topic at hand.
I never thought about putting a calendar in the classroom. That is such an awesome idea. Thanks for sharing that Jennifer.
Jennifer,
A calender helped me IMMENSELY in my classrooms. Aside from my daily planner to keep all my projects, deadlines etc handy, the calender allowed for my students to know exactly was is going to be taught that week, when homework/projects are due, when guest speakers are expected and when tests will be. This seemed to really eliminate the amount of questions regarding the above things I meantioned, thus allowing me more time to teach.
R
I agree-- preparation is the key. I was given a tip from the instructor manual to have the students to prepare a question about the material to be covered in class. I read and responded to these questions during the class period. This captured the attention of the students because it was from them.
I'm a new instructor as of April and just figuring out what it takes to be an instructor and constantly learning more! I did not include a calendar or schedule for the assisgnments in the syllabus, which I believe is something I'd like to incorporate next term. Thank you for that suggestion.
Celeste,
I completely agree with you. I often find that my students have such a variety of things to share with the class. Each week in my preparation, I set aside time for small and large group discussion of the subject matter.
In regards to planning, I prepare lesson plans for each class meeting. I always start with goals and objectives for that particular lesson. I also always "over prepare" in that I prepare extra materials in case an activity does not take as long as anticipated. I also do this because sometimes I prepare something and decide not to do it because of the level of energy (among other factors) of the students during that particular class meeting.
As an instructor, I think it is important to prepare for any and all situations.
What kinds of situations have you prepared for or could you anticipate?
