It is optimal for the learning environment. The class will "flow". As an instructor you are able to answer questions, keep the class motivated, help students engage in a positive manner. Gains respect and credibility for not only the instructor, but for the school as a whole.
Hi Justine,
This is so true. Over planning helps to take some of the worry out of teaching because as you already know it seems nothing ever goes as planned. We always have to have an alternative plan ready when a course takes off in a different direction.
Gary
It's important for instructors to know what's coming so the students can feel comfortable and able to invest their trust in the instructor. Inevitably, circumstances will arise when the instructor will have to evaluate and make a decision that perhaps they were not prepared for. However, early planning allows the instructor and students to progress through the course most successfully.
Students give you less respect and pay less attention when you are unprepared. They come excited to class when they know you will be prepared, have something exciting for them to learn, and when they know that you care about whether or not they learn the information. My students love hands on examples and those take time to prepare.
Early planning is so important for instructional success because it helps with the flow of instruction, keeps class discussion under control and also gives me confidence as an instructor to be prepared and able to handle any unexpected changes.
For me this alleviates, maybe mitigates is a better word, much of the stress. I tend to worry and the more time up front I can get in, the smoother things work and the more confident I can be leading up to execution. I also like touching base with other seasoned professionals that I can learn from.
It's important to have everything ready so there is no question as to what is going on. If your prepared for most any question a student could ask, it shows you care about the students and what they need to learn.
I think with comprehensive planning you need to make a plan. First start with making goals, collect data, and prepare the plan. With following these three simple steps you are able to have instructional success.
Early and Comprehensive Planning help me as an instructor to be organized and to have materials ready for my daily class periods as well as to be prepared for discussion topics that may come up.
Early and comprehensive planning helps both the instructor and the students know where the course is headed. That establishes confidence in both. Most importantly, it helps accomplish the goals of the course.
Elizabeth
I believe when you are prepared for class, it makes the learning process successful. When the learning process is successful, trust has been gained and instruction is credible.
Because you are prepared not only for what is expected and the class should run perfectly but also for the unexpected and always obtaining a good result.
Its the P4 Principle
Failure= Piss Poor Prior Planning
It's important to be prepared because the instructor needs to be clear when sharing expectations with the students. This creates a win/win situation for everyone involved.
Early and comprehensive planning is so important for instructional success because it directly impacts the success or failure of the overall course outcomes, from the instructor’s performance to the student’s success in the course. An instructor is also a mentor for his/her students. If the instructor fails to develop his/her comprehensive instructional plan early, the course instruction and delivery will suffer. The students will see this behavior and may assume that it is permissible to cram at the last minute. Professionalism like respect is modeled. Success comes only through early and constant preparation without these elements, failure is a certainty. This is not something that we want to teach our students.
Hi Brian,
This is a good strategy to follow. I do this in my teaching as well. This gives me some flexibility but by going back to the trunk of my lesson plan tree I don't get side tracked and I can accomplish my goals for the course as needed.
Gary
Many times the class will have a mind of its own and take different approaches to similarly valid information, I tend to roll with it and get myself back to the trunk of my objectives.
For me, I need to stay on top of my lesson planning and course development as not to get behind. Staying current also allows me to be able to go back and revise if better ideas come along.
Because you never really know what to expect until day one. So having an organized and adequate plans provide the confidence and peace of mind need to start and carry on. Besides it sends a strong message to the students get serious because the instructor intends for the class to be productive and worthwhile. ~ Sandra
