Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success
Why is early and comprehensive planning so important for instructional success?
Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success is very important for an instructor and students. Well written and detaled syllabus is like a road map for the instructor. It leads the instructor from lecture to lecture, helping covering the entire studying material and to avoid any confusions.
That is a really good idea to include change up plans. In addition to the syllabus, I develop lesson plans. These can often be given to an instructor if I cannot make it to class. Most of my classes are hybrid classes. Additional content is posted to the online portal. This can sometimes change from the content of the syllabus. It is always a good idea to inform students that syllabi are subject to revison by instructor.
This allows me to plan my class in a stress free environment where I can visualize the class content and how it matches desired outcomes. Doing it with very little time can lead to typos or an unclear path in developing learning outcomes.
Comprehensive planning is essential for keeping the class on a smooth, predictable course. It allows the instructor to deliver the information with confidence, and helps prepare them for student's questions.
Planning is always useful so that you can guide the students and anticipate their needs. It is important to master the material ahead of time so that they know you are prepared and care about what you are teaching. I always like to add to lessons with what information I feel is missing and go from there. I put myself in the place of the student, what should I know already, what should be elaborated on? I think planning is vital to moving a course in the direction it needs to go and not lose focus because one is not prepared.
A similar situation happened to me as well, it was definately a learning experience and like you I couldn't wait for the class to end. I used that uncomfortable situation to motivate me to try to be "a step ahead" and better prepared.
Having a A list and B list is very important to fill in all course time for different class sizes thoughout the day.
Early planning helps the class run smoothly. Students are more comfortable with knowing things are organized and what is expected of them along the way. It reduces confusion and sets a great tone for learning.
Margaret,
Wow! What a load you have. There is so much I could share with you but in the forum format I'm not sure the information would be as effective as it should be for your use. As a new teacher with a lot of planning to do, I would suggest that you try and get copies of the outlines, syllabi and any handouts that were used in the courses you are going to teach. Do a inventory of your personality and how you see it working for you as you teach, meaning are you more casual, formal, easy going, structured. Then build your delivery from that. Have some ice breakers ready that you can use the first class meetings. This will let you get to know your students in a more informal way while you will be taking stock of who the students are and how you are going to work with them. Be confident, be clear, be consistent, and be yourself. Have an outline of what you want to cover each class session, put the objectives on the board for the students to see and then plan your instruction around how you will accomplish those objectives. Things of media use, testing formats and other aspects of teaching can be integrated into your skill sets as you develop experience with each course taught. You will be surprised how quickly you will start to settled into the teaching role. I wish you much success. If you have any questions please contact me and I will be glad to talk with you further.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Just starting a new job, teaching 9 classes every 16 weeks, all year long, planning is essential! Now I just need someone to tell me the best way to do this, and how to get organized!
Planning is very important ahead of time because as you start a subject lecture you don't want to have dead time while gathering your thoughts or organizing because then you lose your audience and takes time to get them back
Terry,
Sorry to hear about your first day experience but as a result you now know what you have to do and will be doing in preparation for future classes. This is a great growth opportunity.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It allows you the opportunity to determine the goals and the time to map out how you can deliver the content to reach the goals.
There should be a methodical, step by step, competency building plan to get the students to understand the basic content moving to mastering the sum total of the content.
I agree, my first day was difficult as I was not prepared, that will never happen again. The students formed a judgement that I have to change!
I think it allows for you as the instructor to have a railroad of what it to be implemented in the learning process. And if anything shall arise to derail, you have prior planned and have a map to return to schedule and or stay on schedule as to how your implementing course objectives.
Rekha,
Students really like case studies and scenarios. I like the way you are thinking about how to plan for your classes while seeking ways to engage the students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Early and comprehensive planning helps to provide students with effective answers to thought type questions. Students could come up with critical thinking questions, and if we prepare for such possible scenarios in advance, it would increase our credibility in front of the students.
Lawrence,
Student numbers can be a challenge. Our school to "save" money has decided to double all classes in terms of numbers. So all of my classes will now have at least 70 students per class. Still trying to figure out how I am going to meet the needs of all the students and keep the class on target in terms of progress. Should be a very interesting fall.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Prior proper planning prevents piss poor performance. I have a few very specialized disciplines that I am attempting to introduce students to in a very short time frame. The amount of material needed to be covered everyday is overwhelming at times. With 5-6 students in a class it is not as difficult, and we can take off on different tangents and still accomplish the goal for the day. However, when I have >20 in a room with all the questions that arise, I would fall extremely behind without a daily layout to keep me focused on the objective.
