My Very First Blog Entry

This weeks reading had numerous helpful tips, however, I really wish I would have been able to apply them prior to my first week of teaching.
The first thing that I found useful as well as helpful was the chapter 'Countdown for course preparation'. I never realized how far in advance one should plan his/her schedule for the semester, or at least get a good grasp at it. The section gave good examples by factoring in time in regards to the first day of class.
In chapter 2 of First Day to Final Grade, there were so many ideas and suggestions for going about your first day teaching. During our week of orientation, many of these were discussed, but the book was able to elaborate more in great detail and give some good examples of how each scenario would play out. It was helpful to see/read what the 'pros' and 'cons' of particular situations were as well. It made me think a bit differently as to why they do or don't suggest against particular things, such as dressing up.


Most of what I read will somehow, someway be incorporated to how I go about teaching Comm 110.
This reading made if very clear as to how important a syllabus can be and how it can be the foundation for the rest of the semester. Even though I have seen my fair share of syllabi, I am now able to understand why certain aspects of one are there. Such as policies, course goals and course advice.
I never really understood why my past professor's only allow certain types of communication ( email, telephone - home, office or cell - or office hours only). After the reading it became more clear. I will use the advice from the book this semester and in future semesters as to how I allow my students to contact me. Right now the only contact they have are my few office hours and email. So far so good. It will be interesting to see if any emergencies come up where I will have to give out my phone number or if they can do without it.

Its only been a week now, well four class periods, that I have actually been teaching, and so there are still many things I would like to incorporate.
One of those things, as I mentioned in our class discussion, is the ability to plan. No more of this 'wing-it' stuff. I want to be able to plan out not only my day, but my week.
I would also like to learn how to learn an effective strategy of teaching. I have not yet used any Powerpoint in my class or the board, I just speak- they write. Before trying new methods, I want to know more about the pros and cons of each.
As a teacher of public speaking, I think it would be best if I not only teach my students how to give a speech without numerous notes, but teach myself how to do it as well. By doing this I would be a more effective teacher and become more credible to myself and the students.

I recommend this reading:
http://lesson-plans-materials.suite101.com/article.cfm/teaching_public_speaking_classes