Before Class: How should I prepare?
Whether you're designing your own course from scratch or planning a series of discussion sections, there's plenty to consider before you enter the classroom. And every ounce of preparation saves a pound of stressful scrambling part-way through the term. The best way to begin preparing for any class is to define what skills and knowledge your students should have by the end of the term. Consider who your students are and what environment, resources and activities will assist them in gaining these skills.
1. Plan clear learning objectives for the course as a whole and for each class.
1. Plan clear learning objectives for the course as a whole and for each class.
2. Prepare a student information sheet which will give you valuable info about your students at the front end of the course.
3. Consider your environment; visit your classroom and decide how to use the space, arrangement of desks/chairs to encourage interactive, engaged learning. Learn to use the media: projector, Crestron control panel, DVD, etc.
4. Calendar the entire term, paying particular attention to tests, due dates, and reading assignments; will the students be able to complete this work reasonably while taking other courses? Compare the calendar to your own schedule; will you be able to manage the grading and preparation without killing yourself?
5. Make your syllabus comprehensive and explicit: include learning goals, behavioral expectations (especially if your course includes controversial materials), grading policies, rubrics, plagiarism rules, disability resources, and a schedule of readings, assignments, and test dates.
3. Consider your environment; visit your classroom and decide how to use the space, arrangement of desks/chairs to encourage interactive, engaged learning. Learn to use the media: projector, Crestron control panel, DVD, etc.
4. Calendar the entire term, paying particular attention to tests, due dates, and reading assignments; will the students be able to complete this work reasonably while taking other courses? Compare the calendar to your own schedule; will you be able to manage the grading and preparation without killing yourself?
5. Make your syllabus comprehensive and explicit: include learning goals, behavioral expectations (especially if your course includes controversial materials), grading policies, rubrics, plagiarism rules, disability resources, and a schedule of readings, assignments, and test dates.
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