Article by Mrs. Akua Frema Asante-Agyei
This got me thinking much more intensely than I had anticipated. Being through one hundred semesters, I guess one becomes complacent and takes for granted the amount of preparation required for a new semester. To share some tips on how best teachers can prepare for a new semester, I have categorized it into two main parts.
The Teacher
I will start with a question. How prepared are you mentally, emotionally, and physically? The answer to this simple question is probably one of the most overlooked areas of a teacher’s life. But the good news is, the teacher is in total control of that area.
One needs to be intentional about offloading the stresses of the previous semester, to be in the best position mentally, emotionally, and physically for a new semester. Get some rest, teachers. Do something you love. Too often, teachers tend to use breaks to catch up on ‘everything’, forgetting to allow themselves to catch up on the much-needed rest.
Taking a good break also allows the teacher to reflect on the activities of the previous semester and to plan ways of improving them. That said, a teacher should be ready for ‘surprises’, as education evolves practically on a daily basis. New strategies are devised every day to ensure the learner reaches their maximum potential, and it is up to the teacher to be ready to adjust to these new ways.
Let’s now move on to some of the regular things teachers focus on.
The Teacher’s Work
Preparation for a new semester is an ongoing process. There is no start time. Every helpful material, resource, training, opportunity, or knowledge that a teacher comes across throughout the academic year can be used to make a new semester a success. One does not have to wait till the semester is about to start before psyching up.
To have a successful semester, the teacher’s preparation goes includes but not limited to the following.
Prepare the physical learning environment.
- Ensuring one has a functional learning space can contribute immensely towards one having a smooth start. ‘Little, things such as calendars, birthday charts, welcome packs, name charts (if student list is available), being prepared helps to save some time. Don’t forget to consider the possibility of having new students though.
- Electronic equipment, class furniture, and other useful items must be checked to ascertain their functionality.
Teaching Materials
- As much as it lies within your power, ensure teaching and learning materials, including online ones, are set before the semester begins. For your ears only- you will definitely visit your favorite stationery store to check all items on your list.
- You may want to consider the involvement of the learning community and plan to inform them ahead of time.
- Where possible, plan a couple of lessons in advance. These may be tweaked or completely changed when the semester begins, but it helps to have a headstart.
Stay connected
My final tip is to remain plugged into your source of power. Pray! Pray! Pray! But don’t forget to Read! Read! Read! Learning is an ongoing process, even for the teacher- wait, especially for the teacher.
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