Get Your Students Hired
SOMETIMES ALL THE PLANNING IN THE WORLD WON'T PREPARE YOU FOR SOME OF LIFES CURVE BALLS. HAVING THE ABILITY TO THINK ON ONE'S FEET CAN DETERMINE THE SUCCESS OR FAILURE OF ANY LESSON PLAN. IN OUR EVER CHANGING AND DYNAMIC WORLD, WE MUST HAVE THE ABILITIES TO ADAPT FOR MOST ANY SITUATION. SUCH AS; CULTURAL DIFFERENCES, PHYSICAL CHALLENGES, AND EVEN RELIGIOUS BELIEFS THAT OUR STUDENTS MAY BRING WITH THEM.
First day jitters? Every time!! It's like a performer going out on stage. If the jitters aren't there...something is amiss. If you know your course content, and have a firm grip on the direction you will be going, the jitters subside rather quickly. I am a very laid back person, but I still get those butterflies on the first day. I spend a few minutes going over the roster, pronouncing the names, and putting faces to them, and give a brief history of my background in the field. I then open up the discussion for the students to contribute any relevant experiences. It helps both my jitters, and the students apprehension.
Hi John,
I agree, as an instructor, you have to be ready to adapt, improvise, and overcome any and all situations.
Hi All
I agree with everyone's view. My question is how is flexibility taught? Or is it gained thought experience and introspection? Watching other flexible instructors and perhaps trying their approach?
John,
I agree with your post. However, one thing I feel strongly about is knowing your material and lesson plan inside and out. With the strength of knowledge and perfect planning comes the ability to modify and adapt as needed to hit those curveballs out of the park for a home run.
When working with student your going to have some mishaps, this is good because it gives you the opertunity to exsercise real world application while in a class invierment.Student can see what they learn, who to use it in the feild.
I think the unpredictability of instruction and its demands for quick thinking is what makes it exciting and enjoyable. If the instructor is truly responsive to the needs of their class, the work can never be too routine.
I agree. Learning how to deal with unique situations and doing the right thing defines us as instructors in the classroom.
I usually try to have a back up plan in place so that in the event an activity or exercise can not be done due to a training aid or other equipment failure we have an alternate. Sometimes these failures can lead to unexpected opportunities and learning experiences. The Instructor must be adaptable and quick on their feet. The Instructor will also set the tone. When adversity occurs just smile and go with plan B.
One thing to do to prepare for the unknown is to ask and dicuss instances with your fellow instructors. Remember your not the only one in this. Listening to what has happened to them in the past, and how they dealt with it, will help you when similar instances come up. Don't let it become a complaint session and you'll get honest results.
Thanks.
Hi Deborah,
Then you have found your calling. Being up front and center enables you to share content as well as motivate your students. Congratulations for this gift.
Gary
Hi Lori,
What are some things instructors can do to overcome first day of class jitters?
Gary
I AGREE WITH YOU JOHN; AFTERALL, LIFE'S CURVE BALLS ARE REVOLVING. THE SUCCESS OR FAILURE OF ANY LESSON PLAN DOES HAVE TO DO WITH WHAT YOU HAVE DESCRIBED. THE STUDENT'S BACKGROUND AND UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT YOUR GOAL IS - IS ESSENTIAL.
Hi Olga,
Being flexible is essential for instructors. If instructors can't make changes quickly or have a sense of humor they are going to have a tough time in the classroom.
Gary