By planning early and thoroughly, I am better able to think through the goals and how I plan to break each lecture down into bits. I can review my plan to ensure that I’ve taken into account variety of methods as well as conciseness of the messages that I’m focusing on. When the plan is worked out, it is easier to identify gaps that need to be filled in so that all objectives are reached. This plan also helps each following session that I teach a course and aids me in identifying areas that I want to perk up and change with new materials.
As with anything else, if you are unprepared, you will appear that way and so, look unprofessional in the eyes of the student. This is the easiest way to lose their attention and their respect.
It ensures that the class goes smoothly. Once the course begins, stress goes up for all involved. Proper planning reduces this problem.
Hi Holly,
I like your method of planning. This is how I set up my classes as well. I always have a back up plan that will let me go another direction if I need to. The fun part of teaching is that it is never boring and sometimes it is hard to figure where we are going to end up once we start class. We always stay focused on our goals and objectives but there are a host of ways to get there.
Gary
I always have the main plan, and then a few back up plans. I like to be able to feel out the students' moods/focus each day, and adjust that day's plan accordingly. You do need to be flexible, though - be prepared for whatever comes at you. The best laid plans don't always work!
I like the idea of the class being more of a conversation so the students know that the instructor is not just going through the motions without enthusiasm. Knowing the material is good and having a basic plan each day is good as well but being able to be flexible if the students need more information and help in an area is good too.
Hi Jennifer,
Way to go with the backup plan. It happens to us all.
Gary
Being prepared and ready for class is what we should expect from our students, and I like to lead by example. Prepping a class is one of the most important steps to achieve the goal of education. --Carrie
This is too funny because I just had this happen to me the other day. Had everything planned out but when class came, plans when out the window. Thankfully, I always have a back up plan.. ;-)
Hi Dennis,
You are doing an excellent job of crafting a higher level course that has all of the essential ingredients as dictated by the field. You step by step process is going to provide the students with a solid and valid course from the very first time it is taught forward.
Gary
It is really easy in course development to forget important points that reinfoce the goals and objectives of the course. I am in the middle of planning a Masters level course right now and as I am getting started the amount of material I have to digest before I get it sorted out seems overwhelming. It's an eight week course, so after assuring that I understand the requirements posed by the school, I am working on a checklist to be sure that I systematically construct all of the necessary parts. Then, I want to go back and look at the goals and objectives to be sure that each section of the course gets us there.
Early and comprehensive planning allows instructor to physically and mentally prepared for the upcoming task and better anticipate possible scenarios.
Hi Charlene,
You are right on about the need for the instructor to see the big picture. If they don't see how the course fits into the holistic preparation picture then the students won't see it either.
Gary
I agree that disorganization sets a bad example. However, I always prepare to be suprised. I know that no matter how well prepared I am, a curve ball could ome hurling in at any moment.
Early planning is important in the discovery of good resources to use in the classroom. Taking the time to find videos, handouts, interviews, and other activities that get the students interested are worth taking the time to find. Documents need to be proofread and presented to the students in such a way that they understand HOW the things you are doing in the classroom relate to what you told them would be excpected of them, and to be comprehensive takes time, tying all of the different pieces together to see the whole picture. The instructor has to see it first.
I agree that early and comprehensive planning ultimately leads to positive student outcomes. For me, it helps alleviate any anxiety that I might have about starting the new term. I also like to overplan so that I have options depending on the individual and group needs. It allows for adjustment as we progress in the course.
-Dawn
Hi Dr. Rahim,
Thank you for the good comments. Comprehensive planning works for everyone. Students get better instructor and instructors have more opportunities for instruction since they don't have to spend their time reacting but can focus on delivery.
Gary
Comprehensive planning is important for instructional success because it helps the teacher prepare for their upcoming course. Comprehensive planning provides the teacher an opportunity to develop a course layout, identify or review goals and objectives for the course and develop and gather relevant resource materials.
Hi Lorri,
Well said. Instructors have to take an holistic approach to all aspects of the course and as a result they will have completed the needed planning and preparation. As a result they will have the attention of students so they can fulfill the role of being a role model for the career field.
Gary
Thorough planning prior to teaching the course is critical in setting the tone for the semester/term. When an instructor presents well organized, clear about the objectives for the term, as well as the goals for the days learning, the students accept the instructors position as a content expert and leader in the group. It portrays a professional level of expectation and also provides a role model for the students to emulate in their future professional endeavors.
