Being prepared for class
As an instructor lecture preparation is a must. it helps the class knows the objectives for the day and what is expected of them at the end of the day. I find that it helps them to stay focused.
I agree. Being prepared also means you are updating lectures and projects. Technology and science give us updates every week.
Every class I teach I arrive early and write the objectives of the day and of the class, so the students know what we will be going over in class, it also let's them know what project is due and when we are going to have a project critique as well. This also keeps me on track as well so I do not loose track of time.
I find that a big part of my organizational skills is to preview the next day's lecture and to arrive early on the following day to go over the day's lesson.
Maryalice, Great points! Every time we teach a class, we can add additional richness to the course material. It's wonderful to be able to keep current with our fields and to layer in color as it emerges. That being said, there are often some fundamentals that we can count on teaching about semester after semester. If we do a nice job at putting lesson plans together for those fundamentals to start, we can count on them to save us time for years to come.
Dr. Melissa Read
Being prepared for class is more than having a planned lecture. It is focusing on how you will present it to the class. No matter how many times you have taught the class, each time you will discover a different approach that will be more advantageous for the student's learning. Yes start by giving the class's objectives and student's expectations for the class along with the rule and regulations of the class. Dont forget to be on time!
I agree. Making sure that the class knows their objectives for the day definitely helps keep them focused throughout the class. Knowing what is being covered on any given day lets them know what questions are applicable to the lesson plan so they they don't ask questions about things that are covered in a later class. Not knowing the objects can make it unclear whether questions are relative to the current lesson plan for the day.
Marlene, Yes, it sounds like you have a good handle on the total landscape of what needs to be done to be prepared for class. Easier said than done of course! Some of the things on your list can be taken care of in advance and reused each semester. Other things must be done each time you teach and it's hard to build in efficiencies.
Dr. Melissa Read
Being prepared for class means not only reviewing the course content, constructing what will be covered in lecture,and obtaining the learning tools that will be used,but it is also important to begin class on time and bringing to the classroom the necessary materials all at once instead of going back and forth.
I believe that preparing for each class by reviewing your lesson plans for that time period allows you to remain focused and in control.
