Preparation is huge
I have been educating for awile now, in many different environments. I have found myself overpreparing before class to calm my nerves and to get instant buy in from the students. I have found that this is of utmost value, even if you do not have mastery of the content you are teaching. It not only establishes credibility, but it gives momentum for the class, making it easier to flow through the rest of the class and build as you go. It is harder to catch up than it is to keep momentum going.
Hi Timothy,
Hey if this is what it takes to help you prepare, you continue to do it! It is working, you can tell a difference. We must be prepared for our students.
Patricia Scales
As a new instuctor, I attempt to present the lecture and run through the supportive media prior to each lecture. It does take time, but I can tell a difference in the "quality" of my lecture when I have been through it once before (even if I do look strange speaking from the front of the room to an empty class).
Preparation is key, especially for a new instructor. Not many people can just 'wing it' for several hours a day and a disorganized lecture will lose the students interest very quickly.
I agree that being prepared for the allotted class time and more is key. It enables me to be flexible with the direction & speed of the class depending on student reaction, comprehension, discussion, etc.
Great point. I love being prepared. I used to be amazed at how quickly I went through my material, but I have learned now that I was often going too quickly. Being prepared allows the flexibility to adjust to your classes needs. Often they need less that you might have prepared, but sometimes they can absord it all.
