Managing time effectively in the classroom is crucial for maintaining student engagement and ensuring that learning outcomes are met. However, once a class session is underway, time seems to fly by. Here are some tips to help you structure and facilitate your class efficiently.
Be Realistic, Not Optimistic
When planning your lesson, consider how much content you can reasonably cover within the allotted time. Overloading your class can lead to rushed explanations and reduced student understanding. Focus on the Learning Outcomes (LOs) for the session to ensure clarity and focus. Plan how long activities might take, being mindful of pacing to avoid running out of time. To help both you and your students stay on track, consider using timers or timing cues so students can manage their participation effectively. When planning your lesson, allow for flexibility by adding a three-minute buffer to account for unexpected delays or questions.
The First Five Minutes
The first five minutes of every class are integral to capturing students’ attention. Planning this time strategically will set a positive tone with a warm welcome and prevent you from losing precious time at the start. Check out this article for ideas on how to use the first five minutes effectively.
Time for Questions and Follow-Ups
Designate intentional moments throughout the lesson for student inquiries and add them to your lesson plan. To avoid getting too far off topic while still honoring students’ curiosity, you could use a “parking lot” method for questions that need to be addressed later or after class. Consider using a minute paper (use a Google Doc or Padlet for large classes) to gather feedback on students’ understanding of the material.
The Last Five Minutes
Make sure you allow ample time to wrap up the class and summarize key learning points. Include some foreshadowing by providing a preview of the next session as a primer. The last five minutes might include:
- Introduce Homework: Give clear instructions on assignments.
- Address Parking Lot Questions: Revisit unanswered questions.
- Highlight Important Dates: Remind students of assessments and deadlines.
- Review Student Resources: Share office hours, TA sessions, and support materials.
- Minute Paper: Collect final reflections or lingering questions.
After the Lesson
After class, allow extra time for one-on-one inquiries. Then, reflect on what worked and what didn’t. For example:
- Where did you spend more time than anticipated during the class?
- What seemed difficult for students to understand?
- Did students interact well with the material and with each other?
Write down your notes to make improvements for next time, including pacing adjustments, activities, or assessment strategies based on feedback. Learn more about journaling for teaching growth in this resource.
By managing time effectively in your classroom, you can create a more structured, engaging, and productive learning experience for your students. Happy teaching!