Course Outline!
I cannot live without my course outline! It is critical for both my success and the students throughout my classes. Each student appreciates a "blue-Print" or master plan for the course from the first day. I can tell how much they appreciate knowing in advance what is expected of them....it gives them a physical document that will walk them through my course as well as show them all that they have accomplished. However, I would love some input on what one does when Holidays, school closings, etc. interfere with the outline resulting in "cramming" of material to make up for lost time. My students tend to become frutrated and defiant when we stray from teh "outline" at all. How can I use a Detailed course outline while leaving room for unexpected field trips and labs, etc?
I agree that a Course Outline is imperative. I recently witnessed two classes, one with a comprehensive outline and the other that had one but the instructor never stuck to the outline and jumped all around.
The class that used the outline was on task, relaxed and always knew what was expected of them, what was due on what day and were always prepared. The other class was so frustrated because they never knew when to turn something in, they came to class unprepared and were generally in a fog the whole time. They were always asking, "What are we doing tomorrow?".
This is no way to run a class! Course Outlines are a must and I will always use one and stick to it!
On my outlines, I always specify a few days as "to be determined". There's one every two or three weeks. If we're falling behind, we use the day to catch up. If we're on schedule, we can use it for something else.
I always include at the end of my outline, SUBJECT TO CHANGE. There are days where we get ahead of the schedule and then the mid west weather hits and we are in a scramble to catch up.
Flexability is key. Going in, expecting the unexpected and haveing a plan can releive some of that stress.
I am new at teaching an I am wondering what are some of the basics of making an outline?
while holidays, and days off from class can be detrimental, I try to minimize this from the students viewpoint by including a calender for each course with days off marked appropriately.
I wanted to follow up with this thread and ask for specific things you can do as a new instructor to develop a good course outline. I am teaching a class that is offered for the first time and there are no previous outlines or syllabi to refer to. Ideas for developing effective plans?...
Hi Rich,
A good course outline can be developed by looking at what your students need to know at the conclusion of the course. You will quickly see how the course breaks itself into major units or sections. Then break these sections into smaller segments and you will have a good outline. Then under each section list the objectives, resources, activities and assignments that you want your students to participate in. I approach a task like this from the perspective of asking the question "How do you eat an elephant?". Answer: "One bite at a time.". The key point is break the segments into small enough teachable sections.
Gary
The course outline that was presented to me has really helped keep things on track during class. At the begin of each day you know what material you need to cover. So that helps when you want to add some personal input you already know what your lesson plan is for the day.
