This is great, but what if I'm subbing?
The material I've read in this module is great if you're the main instructor for the course. I've been put into a position where the majority of my teaching will be as a relief instructor or as a substitute due to illness or vacation. What would be the formula or my focus to put together my introduction and other strategies of the "first class" into subbing?
Hi David,
I would suggest that you think "condensed" version in terms of your introduction and qualifications. A couple of quick points about the fact that you have worked in your career field for 20 years and that you have taught for 3 years and get right into the lesson for the day. As a sub you are going to be there for a very short period of time so you want to make that time count. If you are going to sub for a couple of weeks or longer you can expand on your introduction a bit. Also, students tend to dismiss subs (remember your high school days when a sub was in your English class for a day?) in terms of the sub's ability to give points or influence a grade. As a result you have to establish yourself as a professional that has something to offer that day and then help the students benefit from your being there. Tough job at best. If you can develop some activities related to the courses you commonly sub in that get the students involved and interacting this will go a long way in their accepting your leadership as a sub. Good luck!
Gary
