we use class timelines, in the lab the students need to create their own timelines
Having back-up material is a great plan. I teach philosophy to graphic art students and time management for the lengthy class is one of my biggest challenges.
Jon-Paul,
What subject(s) do you teach?
Tremayne Simpson
Making sure that I have planned enough content pertinent activities for class has been a challenge at times. Over the years, I have employed the following to help keep me on track:
1. I take into account the length of the class. Due to teaching at multiple schools, I must tailor activities to fit a course lasting anywhere from 2-4 hours.
2. I look at the amount of time it takes to set up an activity, execute it, and how many students are in class. Needless to say, many activities go over better with large groups. The larger the class, the more group activities I utilize. If a class is smaller, I will give similar activities that work well on an individual level. Keeping students engaged the entire time in class makes the day/evening go by faster.
3. I prioritize activities based on importance. I plan more than enough activities to get through the class; I rather have too many than a lot of dead space. Dead space in a class can bring about chaos. Prior to the start of class, I write down which activities must be completed, and save the "least" important ones for the end of class (if they are not completed, it will not affect the covering of objectives).
I am always open to learning more effective strategies when it comes to time management.
You mentioned having several "canned" segments to help fill time should the session move quicker than normal. If you do not mind, can you provide an example of a "canned" segment?
Allison, I enjoyed reading your post. Case studies are an excellent way to keep students engage in the lesson and encourage dialogue. It requires critical thinking, which is important at the postsecondary level. One activity I use is journal writing. I write a topic on the board, and give the students some time (approximately 15 minutes) to write about it. After time is up, the students share what they have written. The students are made aware that what is written will be shared.
My program relies on case studies as well and I use them both as time fillers and homework assignments.
I usually save extra time during my last class of the week. If I need to cover anything I might have not covered during the week, I do it then. If I am caught up on everything, this can be a great opportunity for some extra "fun" activities that really do enhance my student's learning.
A lesson plan is used for each class that I teach. In addition, for each activity or assignment that will be given in class...often time management is based on the amount of students enrolled in the class. I always assign short times to the students verbally and it keeps them engaged and on task because they want to finish to receive credit. However, some activities I am aware that the time will need to be extended. I monitor the studnets and we just work according to their interactions and understanding of the material.
I always keep an Ace or two in my back pocket that relates to the subject; that is to say that I always have additional activities that I can pull out to make the transition look seamless if I finish the class material early.
i like to keep a copy of the student workbook open with notes that I have taken over the course of teaching for several years to help keep track of what they are seeing compared to what I am showing through the power point. when teaching a course I am unfamiliar with this is the first thing I ask for from an instructor with more experience then I in that course.
Poor Attendance has a big effect on teaching and learning time management. I impress upon students the importance of good attendance and teach an actual lesson on how it hurts to miss school. At the end of each class, I try to tell students what we will be doing the next day. I emphasize the kinds of activities they look forward to, such as hands-on activities. This seems to encourage attendance.
attendance can lead to Poor time management
I have planned out the three week course by the minute and use the clock to keep me on track.
I personally have made power point presentations that I (loosely) follow. It contains some pages the students should see and some I turn the projector off for. This always keeps me on track, on time and ensures I hit all the pertinent points. By moving from lecture, to image, to drawing on the board, I can keep changing the medium as well, which helps maintain interest.
when I first started teaching I was just going through the lesson plan and had time to spare. I started elaborating more on certain subjects and using my own personal experiences with my students. I agree time management is very important. Now I usually get done right on time or if I have time to spare. I have short videos that the students can watch.
Bryce,
This is an efficient method for properly planning out each course session, however I believe that it is a good idea to implement a little flexibility within the plan to allow for the unexpected, "teachable moments". Teachable moments can be derived from a general discussion, a student question or an informal review of a class concept.
Tremayne Simpson
I have my Lesson Plan blocked into time slots.
For example 9:00AM-10:30AM Lab of Ampule and Vial manipulation, so I know the lab itself is 20-25 minutes, but I also want to make sure they know why we use this equipment (explaining for 20-25 minutes). I also have everyone wash their hands before the lab(10 minutes). That leaves at least 20-25 minutes for a hand written assessment.
That's an example of how I strategize my time with my students. My lesson plan is my best friend, I also give a copy to my students so they will know how our day will go each day from 9:00AM - 3:30PM for the week.
Over the years, I have learned to have more than enough planned for the class. However, I have also learned that unexpected discussions will arise or tangents that relate to the day's lesson. Therefore, I include some of the the key points of the lesson for the next class.
I hate that feeling, when you look up at the clock and are finished with your lecture, but theres sill 10 minutes left. I have, in the past left this open for homework time. After doing this module I have realized the importance of filling up that time with more viable information. I love the idea of having the pre-planned mini lessons available instead of allowing homework time duing class time.
My course that I instruct is six hours. It can be difficult from time to time depending on the number of other class running at the same time. For the most part I like to start out with class room lecture which flows differently every course, different learning curves. A number of experiences that go with topic help to keep students interest. Second half of the day is usually a breeze because we go to lab and perform lab tasked that most of the students are in tune with (most of our students are hands on learners. Always leave 15 mins. to clean up and sign out.
