Demonstrations are key for teaching technical skills, supported by 10-15 minute mini-lectures for theory. So I will be breaking my larger lectures down into smaller pieces that are more digestible. And I will make backup plans in case demonstrations fail.

What I learned is that the most important things to do is building a personal connection fast. Learn names, share backgrounds, encourage student introductions. Then establishing classroom culture. Clarifying expectations early on for participation, assignments, grading, and behaviour. To give an exciting course overview, and set the tone for professionalism and integrity. There was so much that I learned and it gave me a great starting point on how to start my next semester.

Breaking down instructional objectives into Audience, Behaviour, Condition, & Degree is a great way to rework curriculum in order to best suit the students. It has given me a starting place when I am going to rework and revise my own curriculum.

I've become more aware of how valuable personal instructor competencies are when teaching. How the blending of technical, professional, and personal is what will truly make a great teacher.