Information can be conveyed in many ways. If in person teaching has value, it is engagement with students. Not aimless engageent only for engagement's sake... but engagement in ways that enhance learning, retention, and so on. Arriving early, knowing names (or learning names), etc are just some ways of enhancing this.
Proper preparation will help you keep on track and possibly have time to deal with issues that pop up. Using a Syllabus will give the students a clear idea of what is expected of them, when and in what format.
Prepare and plan for classes. Making lists help to keep you organized. The amount of detail and precision that goes into a syllabus will be more beneficial for the students.
I love the idea of coming to class early to give the students a sense that you take them and your class seriously, and you are going to put the time and effort in and they should too.
Continue to get to class early.
Planning is essential in getting the course on course to the desired end. Try to access the learning abilities of the students in the first few sessions.
My course syllabus is standardized and comes with the courses. I see now that it is not specific enough for my student to truly understand the course requirements. I will now add additional information that is tailored to my expectations and have a discussion with my students to be sure they understand them.
Organazation of the learning objectives and checking them off as you go through the material will keep me from missing a learning objective. With the new instructional enviorment,(using blended learning) there is a greater chance of losing continuity in delivery of course materials.
Much of your success as an instructor will depend on the planning and preparation. There are 5 major areas you should consider:
- Selecting content to teach.
- Setting ambitious yet realistic goals.
- Writing instructional objectives to help realize those goals.
- Putting together a syllabus that describes your entire course.
- Selecting presentation formats that maximize student learning.
I always have a pen and pad of paper with me when in the classroom. You never know when you need to remember something! I am thrilled that it is recommended :)
Having a checklist will ensure I don't forget something that I need to cover in class. It also ensures classroom structure and instructor accountability (my experience).
Instructional Objectives- A- Audience (know your audience), B- Behavior (what do you want your students to do), C-Condition (Rules for their performance) and D- Degree (level of proficiency). This acronym is helpful when creating objectives.
I was always taught to give the students the syllabus
Now I understand why
Being prepared will assist with effective teaching.
I will try to arrive 30 mins early to class to try to interact with students
Having a checklist of items to cover so that you stay on track. Its easy to get off track especially while communicating with students.
The video of the professor talking to his students prior to the class and getting a feel for the level of enthusiasm for the class was insightful. I often stress prior to teaching a class and talking to student before the class would probably put me at ease.
Prepare to plan....plan to prepare!
By planning properly, your course will be rewarding as you will be able to focus on the development of students. By investing the time needed to be successful, students will feel supported.
Being prepared will be key in being a successful instructor. Engage, activiely, and listen with a purpose.
