Planning and Preparation
I tend to observe at least one class like the one I will be teaching asking another instructors about tips, suggestions, problems or successes they encountered during their courses. In addition, I visit the classrooms in advance to familiarize with the equipment, lightning, technology, and layout of the room to ensure we have an environment suitable for learning. Furthermore, I start the class with a strong opening explaining what I hope to accomplish in the course and why I find this topic or subject matter to be important. Finally, I simply raise some of the most fascinating questions or problems students may encounter during their careers to spark their curiosity. By doing this, I can then describe how this course might help students address and solve these inevitable situations and problems.
Bonita,
Good plan because you can learn so much from observing others. Then you can take those observations and turn them into strategies that will help you to refined your own instructional delivery.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have been learning that observing various teachers in different classes/subjects has been most advantageous. Observing the different teaching skills and personalities has been a definite learning tool for me. Being prepared with visual aids and subject content is so important to get your students attention with an interesting prsentation.
Lisa,
Glad you are getting good information that you will be able to use in your courses. I wish you continued teaching success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I too have found that observing another Instructor to be extremely helpful. I like the tip on illiciting discussion geared to get students talking about value of the course to real life situations. Thanks! Lisa
Gonzalo,
You are not only providing good information to your information you are showing them how to apply it as well as see the relevancy to the content. The more application opportunities that are provided the greater value students associate with the course and what is being offered.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
