Are you a planner or a spontaneous person? Do you like to know what's coming or enjoy the thrill of the unknown?
Anyone who is even a passing acquaintance will know that I'm a bit of a control freak: OK, I'm bossy. I can't help it - and if you think I'm bad now you should have seen me before yoga worked its magic. I do try to live in the moment, honestly I do, but sometimes I really need to have all the details to hand before I can decide what to do next.
When it comes to lesson planning, I'm still following the template that I developed when I did my training. I'm no longer writing a word-by-word script, but I always have not just the topic but also the basics of the sequence written down before my lessons. I'll admit that sometimes I run out of time and have to resort to something handwritten, but even then it's pretty solid. That's not to say I don't vary the session in response to the mood and requirements of my students, but I'm always in control of where we're going.
I have been following a Face Book conversation about the joys of teaching without the safety net of a lesson plan. There are apparently some people who turn up with a theme in mind and then wing it. Rather them than me!
I've taught both ways and dependent on the subject, I prefer a plan. Still both work. I'd say I'm 35% spontaneous, 65% planner.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever written a lesson plan and then turned up without it? THAT focuses the mind! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
DeleteHi Julia, been pondering over how to answer this one.
ReplyDeleteI have a motto, Failing to plan, is planning to fail. I've led a few writing workshops and I would never go in without a plan.
Saying that though, i love it when I just decide to take off in the car and see where the day leads me.
Like that thing about the joys of teaching without the safety net of a lesson plan.
ReplyDeleteA little sketch in the mind is all that is required.