Preparation is Key
For me, preparation is key. I like to see the classroom where I will be teaching ahead of time. This allows me to visualize myself teaching in front of students in that exact setting. Knowing the number of students I will have ahead of time helps with this. It also allows me to see what resources are available, like a board and markers, overhead, power point, anatomical models, etc. I also want the book the students will be using as soon as possible, syllabus, and any other materials so I can begin making my own class notes.
Anthony,
Way to do it. I hate being rushed and feeling like I am not organized. By using your model of advanced planning the pressure is taken off of the you at the first class meeting.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
i do all of my scurrying days prior to the class and relax into an enjoyable pace on that 1st day.the students ask me more questions and ponder things other than my approach.(maybe areas of interest to them)
I agree with your post, I do find that some times I forget how preparation makes that first day and the rest of the time flow. The worst thing is to have the students see you unorganized. I need a constant reminder to have all things prerared.
I absolutely agree, preparation is a key factor in the learning environment. It displays professionalism to your students and maximizes the time utilized in class by not having any interruptions due to lack of supplies, reading materials, markers, visual aides etc...
Prepartion allows me to focus on what content I need to present, the timeframe I have available, and how successful I am at delivering the information to the student.
I am learning that PREPARATION is the key to a successful teaching experience....students are more receptive.
Hi Janice,
Good strategy for a comfortable and enhancing instructional delivery plan. By building on your self confidence you right on with your comments about how your confidence impacts the confidence of your students. It is a building format for win win learning.
Gary
I have found that when I am prepared, I am much more confident. When I am confident, my students seem to be more confident too. In my classroom, I always try to plan at least one activity, a lecture, and an assignment. This provides variety for the students and an organized format for me. This format seems to work well for everyone. The size of the class does not seem to matter when I take this approach in the classroom.
I agree, being prepared well before the start of a class gives me a sense of peace about what I need to teach. When I have the entire course outlined and lesson plans done, then I know where I can spend more time on a given topic if my students are not mastering it as quickly as I anticipated.
Rick,
I completely agree that preparation is the key to any successful teaching endeavor. one of the main reason for this is that it will allow the subject expert to know what to expect in the course. I am lucky enough where I actually wrote the courses that I am teaching so I already have a full understanding of what the subject matter is and what needs to be covered. Still, I have spent countless hours preparing everything for the course and while teaching I spend time refining everything to ensure that teaching it in the future is more efficient.
Ron Stefanski MBA
preparation is very important for me, i need to know haw many student i have in may new class, then i need to prepare all matertials , handouts to provide student to make them involved
I agree with both of you. Usually the day prior to my first class I make sure all issues (projector, computer, etc.) of the class are taken care of. I check my roster to see how many students I have, so I can accomodate all of them. This is very relaxing for us that are anxious in nature.
Hi Rick,
This is how I like to approach my new classes as well. Seeing the classroom I am going to be in and knowing the number of students helps me to visualize how I am going to approach the class. If I have 15 students I will use a more discussion format, if I have 100 I am going to use more lecture and learning group strategies. I think I like to "fret" before the classes meets so when it actually starts I can relax a bit and enjoy meeting my new students knowing I am organized and prepared to teach the class.
Gary
