Planning
I have found planning to be the lynchpin to any successful class. It's essential to have your entire course planned out to maximize student learning. Of course, some flexibility is warranted. If a topic comes up that requires further discussion, teachers should be flexible enough to spend additional time if needed.
Kim,
These discussions can yield valuable results when students see the relevance of what was covered and how it applies to their learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In allowing students to interact when "unplanned" it helps to motivate them to move on to the next step of the learning. I encourage interaction and some off track discussions in class. I also find that it bonds the students as well.
Christopher,
Like your use of the words over planning because they certainly reflect how instructors need to plan for their classes. Nothing is longer than a 2 hour class and you have delivered your 2 hour session in 15 minutes. This as you know is a common problem for new instructors. What is perceived as being a full lecture or activity sometimes lasts for only a few minutes. So with over planning you will have case studies you can use, activities to implement, small groups discussions to lead and any other format that will keep the class moving forward. Thanks for bringing up this most important point.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Planning, and especially even over planning, is the keystone to being prepared, and ready if things (like they usually seem to do) do not go exactly to plan, whether with the material, timing, etc.
Jacqueline,
Thank you for sharing this information with us. I know it will be of help to other instructors, especially beginning instructors as they strive to define and refine their instructional delivery.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have learned that with all my "perfect Planning", I need to be flexible and expect the unexpected, and try to prepare myself to be willing to go off track for awhile and then get the train back on the tracks .
