Preparation
Preparation will always determine how the flow of your class will be throughout that term.
David,
We need to be flexible but as you mention the outline and checklist help us to stay on task and keep the class moving forward as needed. Thanks for giving the good planning tip.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Agreed. I use an outline but again, there are times that the introduction may digress and the checklist will ensure that the key points to be covered, do get covered.
Kevin,
A great tool to have as you do your instructional planning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Adding a checklist has help me significantly.
Gwendolyn,
I am like you. I am not comfortable having everything laid out. By having everything laid out I think we have more flexibility since we are able to make adjustments as needed since we know what we have planned and are comfortable in making changes to it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is so true. I am almost overly organized when it comes to my classes. I don't feel comfortable if I don't know what I am going to do for the day. That is not to say that I am inflexible, because I really am. If something is not working I usually have a back up plan!
Jenna,
The suggestion of developing a check list for the first class meeting came about as a result of a number of experiences where key information or activities were forgotten in the rush and confusion of the first class meeting. Even with great preparation it is easy to forget something so the list is a great way to reduce anxiety and let you focus on being the learning leader you want to be. So good luck with your list and enjoy starting your new classes.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One of the more interesting suggestions from this part of the ED101 course was the suggestion to make a check list before meeting new classes each term. I find that the first day is the most nerve-wrecking and feeling like I have met all the preparatory steps before meeting a new group of students will help calm the nerves/awkwardness of meeting new groups. Great suggestion.
Brenda,
So true and when the students know this they frequently will take advantage of the situation. This puts the instructor in an awkward spot since he or she does not have the preparation or depth needed to lead the class that day.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The students know when an instructor is not properly prepared for class...it can undermine our authority and relationship with the students.
Everett,
Thank you for these comments as they reflect what many of us go through when we reflect on what and how we are offering our content. As long as we keep our students first and plan accordingly we are going to be able to provide instruction that is valued by our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This might be off-topic, but I'd like to share anyway.
So far going through this course I can see where a few of my shortcomings have been. Just like was mentioned in the first video at the very beginning of the course, I have been more concerned with my teaching rather than the Students' learning. As such, my preparation was for my teaching, rather than their learning.
I can see now, where my thinking needs to change in regards to my presentations and teaching style. I'm excited to see my class' response to this, especially as we approach our mid-term.
Mary,
So true. This is a critical step that must be taken if we are going to be good learning leaders.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
