A Class on How to Teach a Class- Handout
Agenda-
Class Notes-
Why should you teach?
-The SCA is actually an educational group
Imposter Syndrome and other barriers to teaching-
-offer an online class
-post to social media
-post your class notes
-co teach with a partner who can attend and you can work on the class and materials together.
- Create a display that is educational and informative
Creating an agenda
An agenda is important for a number of reasons. It helps you organize your thoughts and materials in preparation. It gives you attendees an idea of what they NEED to hear and what they might WANT to go back to. It is your class at a glance
Lesson Planning
-While similar in some ways to an agenda a lesson plan is different. It is not a script of everything you will do and say ( however if that helps you it CAN be).
-A lesson plan is a guiding tool that has goals and key concepts clearly laid out.
-It helps your class have a smooth flow.
-It helps you and or your students stay focused and follow along.
-It makes a useful handout. ( In fact, you are reading through mine right now)
Preparing Handouts
Format-
What should be on them ( disclaimer this is my concept I use)-
Leaving Room for Discussion
1.When planning a class I account for time not only at the end but throughout my lesson to allow students space for questions and feedback.
2. Let people know when and if questions are welcome.
3. Allow conversion among students if you can feel comfortable with it. Communication can be a valuable tool in comprehension and retention of learning.
4. Ask “open ended questions” . These are questions the require more than a yes/no or simple answer.
Examples:
During:
Would anyone like to share their thoughts so far?
After:
What questions do you have?
What part of this was most interesting/ useful etc?
How can I clarify what I covered?
CLASS PLANNING TEMPLATE
Name of Class:
Event:
My name:
Goal of class:
Length:
Supplies or other needs including your own needs:
Agenda of what we will cover:
Lesson Plan:
Agenda-
- Why teaching is good for you ( and others)
- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
- Creating an agenda with clear topics and goals
- Lesson planning ( Why it helps you and how to)
- Preparing handouts and also making them available online
- Leaving time for discussion and open ended questions at the end of class
- Discussion time
Class Notes-
Why should you teach?
- Everyone has something to share
- Share what you are working on/ do / love etc.
- Think Outside the box for a topic
- Classes do not have to be “How to make a thing”
- Can be skill oriented ( ie. cooking, bardic, service etc)
- Can be how to apply modern concepts ( such as how to create a webpage
-The SCA is actually an educational group
- You never know who or how many you will inspire
- If you are seeking a path to peerage teaching is important
- You learn from those you teach
Imposter Syndrome and other barriers to teaching-
- The FALSE perception that you need awards or accolades to teach! This is not true and never has been. I can personally attest that amazing artisans may not yet have an award simply because of not being written in, not known well for their work due to many things not in their control and so so so many more reasons.
- “I have to have been doing this for a long time or be REALLY good to teach.” No, just be honest about your experience. Host a class that is open to have others come and share their knowledge. You DO NOT have to talk AT people for an hour. A teacher can be someone who facilitates.
- “What if no one comes?” Had it happen. You know what, it could happen and i it very likely has nothing to do with you or your class. A vigil, battle, meeting etc. could be happening. Maybe you teach best early and people are not up. Do it anyway. Willingness to serve counts for A LOT. Have a friend come and be there. Remember just by offering the class you put planning in and time.
- Accessibility issues, plague risk and more!
-offer an online class
-post to social media
-post your class notes
-co teach with a partner who can attend and you can work on the class and materials together.
- Create a display that is educational and informative
Creating an agenda
An agenda is important for a number of reasons. It helps you organize your thoughts and materials in preparation. It gives you attendees an idea of what they NEED to hear and what they might WANT to go back to. It is your class at a glance
Lesson Planning
-While similar in some ways to an agenda a lesson plan is different. It is not a script of everything you will do and say ( however if that helps you it CAN be).
-A lesson plan is a guiding tool that has goals and key concepts clearly laid out.
-It helps your class have a smooth flow.
-It helps you and or your students stay focused and follow along.
-It makes a useful handout. ( In fact, you are reading through mine right now)
Preparing Handouts
Format-
- Hand outs are helpful, however cost and other factors may make them something that you may have issues with. I like to post mine on my website so that they are always accessible. Recently, I started using QR codes on a single sheet so that those who did have a phone and wished to could just scan the image. In more than one instance a student was able to scan the QR code and then send the link to several other attendees’ email, messenger etc.
- Use a font that is easy to read.
What should be on them ( disclaimer this is my concept I use)-
- The name of the class
- Your name
- Agenda
- Lesson Plan
- Any templates or formatting documents to help people after the class
Leaving Room for Discussion
1.When planning a class I account for time not only at the end but throughout my lesson to allow students space for questions and feedback.
2. Let people know when and if questions are welcome.
3. Allow conversion among students if you can feel comfortable with it. Communication can be a valuable tool in comprehension and retention of learning.
4. Ask “open ended questions” . These are questions the require more than a yes/no or simple answer.
Examples:
During:
Would anyone like to share their thoughts so far?
After:
What questions do you have?
What part of this was most interesting/ useful etc?
How can I clarify what I covered?
CLASS PLANNING TEMPLATE
Name of Class:
Event:
My name:
Goal of class:
Length:
Supplies or other needs including your own needs:
Agenda of what we will cover:
Lesson Plan: