The evolving lesson plan and avoiding "auto-pilot"
As teachers, we constantly and consistently need to update our course material and lesson plans to adapt to a changing world. Particularly if you are teaching technology-oriented subjects like I do. For the last 2 years I have kept an SD card with every single lesson plan for every class, and all of the course documents. (I'm not a big fan of paper). So my "folder" is my SD card.
Because most of my classes are technology related, the market is constantly changing my classes. Software changes, new gear gets purchased, operating systems change, and some material become obsolete. I can only think of maybe 2-3 times where a class I taught did not change at all from one term to the next.
I keep digital copies of everything because: (1) I can update the material whenever I need to, without retooling the lesson plan, (2) it saves paper [I just load the lesson plan on my laptop], (3) I can easily copy/paste material into an email or onto our student portal for students who missed class, and (4) it just makes my life because I save time on prep.
However, at times I find myself falling into the trap of running on "auto-pilot." It's very easy to just work off of previous lesson plans and not incorporate anything new into my lessons. If I'm using a lesson plan that is 2 years old in a technology program, I'm not helping my students succeed the best I can. Fortunately, I have a day off every week so cab I devote time to update my lesson plans with new material every term -- even if updating a lesson is just looking it over, and making sure all the material is still relevant.
Joshua,
This is an excellent system for filing your lesson plans. At our institution, we are able to archive previous lesson plans/syllabi and update them for future terms. With this feature, the plans are never lost and the instructor is able to make revisions, without have to "start from scratch" each term.
Tremayne Simpson
I do the same.
It's important to constantly update, and "refresh" course material. It also helps the teacher to have more energy and interest in the material, which transfer over to the student.
Luis,
I agree. Students can usually identify when a course is on "auto-pilot", which will ultimately, make them less motivated about the class.
Tremayne Simpson
I know at times when preparing lesson plans it is easy to go into auto pilot. I find that if I consider what I want to accomplish and think about what I am going to do this will help me. Also by having a variety of students that can change how I present a lesson.
Being in Graphic Design, my field is technology-driven and trend-driven. I am always watching the new trends in advertising and design and introducing them to the lesson. I will also take a few minutes to ask the students what they think the latest trends are and we discuss them. I take a few minutes after class to record what we talked about to have a record of it. This helps to keep the lessons fresh.
I use Google Drive so I don't have to worry about losing a physical drive or card. I have been using it since 2008 and find I can go through and pull out old lesson plans and use things I have forgotten about in my new classes.
