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Be a Course Instructor: Difference between revisions
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===OK, I'm interested in running a class - how do I get started?=== | ===OK, I'm interested in running a class - how do I get started?=== | ||
Great! | |||
If you are comfortable running a class, select the course and [https://wiki.protospace.ca/Be_a_Course_Instructor#Create_a_Class create a class] | |||
If you want to run a class for a course that doesn't exist, [https://wiki.protospace.ca/Be_a_Course_Instructor#Create_or_Update_a_Course create the course] first | |||
If you aren't comfortable yet, the next step is to take a look at the [https://my.protospace.ca/classes upcoming classes] and approach an instructor about [https://wiki.protospace.ca/Be_a_Course_Instructor#Shadowing_and_Co-instructing shadowing or co-instructing]. It never hurts to ask on the forum! | |||
===Running classes take a lot of time=== | ===Running classes take a lot of time=== | ||
They can, but don't have to. You are the instructor, feel free to break the class up over multiple sessions. | |||
If a class takes too much time out of the day: be extra diligent to run [https://wiki.protospace.ca/Be_a_Course_Instructor#Run_classes_on_your_schedule courses on your time] by declaring hard stops, keeping an eye on the clock, and calling out how much time is left before you have to run. | |||
If classes takes too much time out of your month: run less classes each month. Avoid burnout. | |||
===Life is hectic and I don't think I have time for this=== | ===Life is hectic and I don't think I have time for this=== | ||
That's ok. Sometimes life is busy. Maybe things will calm down in a few months and then will be a good time to pick it up. | |||
Alternatively, you could try [https://wiki.protospace.ca/Be_a_Course_Instructor#Running_classes_take_a_lot_of_time strategies to soften the time commitments]. Book a half day to be at Protospace and allot 1-2 of those hours running a course. | |||
===Teaching is its own skill=== | ===Teaching is its own skill=== | ||
Teaching is absolutely a skill to possess on top of whatever skill you're teaching. Teaching as a skill is a topic larger than this section in its own right. Some quick pointers: | |||
* Focus on the basics of your subject - Nail down 1 to 5 key concepts that clarify the rest of the subject. Repeat those key concepts often. If there are more key concepts then that, this class may be overscoped | |||
* Define your terms - Every subject creates its own set of jargon unfamiliar to students new to the subject. Be patient in defining them, have a glossary for students to reference | |||
* Leverage prerequisites - Determine what, if any, prerequisite knowledge your students possess and what you can lean on when extending those understandings to new subjects or concepts. | |||
* Balance theory and practice - Theory is great for sharing good [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_model mental models] and bad for hands-on experimentation. Practice is great for hands-on experimentation but not great for developing good mental models. Try to address both during a class and go back and forth between them. Theory should inform practice. Practice should demonstrate theoretical concepts. | |||
Don't be shy to ask questions about effective teaching on the forum or by [https://wiki.protospace.ca/Be_a_Course_Instructor#Shadowing_and_Co-instructing shadowing] more experienced instructors to see how they do it. | |||
===Public speaking makes me nervous=== | ===Public speaking makes me nervous=== | ||
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*[https://forum.protospace.ca/t/input-wanted-how-can-we-make-instructing-courses-easier/1236/30?u=kent Volunteer Only Special Events] a paid-for-by-Protospace subsidized-by-training-fees night to a comedy club, laser tag, arcade, movie, nerf battle etc | *[https://forum.protospace.ca/t/input-wanted-how-can-we-make-instructing-courses-easier/1236/30?u=kent Volunteer Only Special Events] a paid-for-by-Protospace subsidized-by-training-fees night to a comedy club, laser tag, arcade, movie, nerf battle etc | ||
*[https://forum.protospace.ca/t/input-wanted-how-can-we-make-instructing-courses-easier/1236/9?u=kent Collecting a fraction of course fees] - Suggested by Mike M | *[https://forum.protospace.ca/t/input-wanted-how-can-we-make-instructing-courses-easier/1236/9?u=kent Collecting a fraction of course fees] - Suggested by Mike M | ||
*A "Train the trainer" type of course to help new folks get their feet wet. Bill Elliot has volunteered a course like this | *[https://forum.protospace.ca/t/input-wanted-how-can-we-make-instructing-courses-easier/1236/55?u=kent A "Train the trainer" type of course] to help new folks get their feet wet. Bill Elliot has volunteered a course like this | ||
*Implement a "Number of Students waiting for this Course" feature in Spaceport. This helps instructors know how big backlogs are | *Implement a "Number of Students waiting for this Course" feature in Spaceport. This helps instructors know how big backlogs are | ||
*Figure out a more turnkey video conferencing solution for members who want to run online courses | *Figure out a more turnkey video conferencing solution for members who want to run online courses | ||