first class preparation
On my first day, I was very nervous and excited at the same time. I totally agree with the module in that you can never be too prepared. I had an outline on how I was going to spend my day, but because my setting is not a classromm or laboratory but a medical facility, a couple of things had to be changed and ended up with some unexpected free time. I am learning a lot, and now I have more ideas on how to prepare for my next cohort of students.
Hi Joan,
Good point about the need for good planning and the use of student time. Instructors need to have ample backup activities to support the length of class time they have. Killing time is not professional nor productive for anyone.
Gary
I always have jitters about meeting new students in a new class and I have been teaching for many years. Organization is the key to teacher happiness in the classroom. Veteran teachers have the extra activities because they have planned ahead. Extra time is miserable for all involved, but if students think there is more classwork to do to meet the criteria, they won't get antsy too quickly.
Hi Noemi,
Good to hear that your first day is behind you. Most of us can remember our first day of teaching and how nervous we were. In addition, it seems that we always have more time than we have content. The problem is we don't have all of the activities that veteran teachers have to fall back on. With a little experience you find that you have all kinds of things you can do with your students when you have some extra time. With some experience you will find that you have all kinds of activities, games and projects you can do with your students when you have extra time.
Keep up the good work you are making a difference in the lives of your students.
Gary
