Tip 1: Know the room layout in advance

The room layout can change the tone of a session.

If it is a lecture theatre you may not be able to change the seating pattern but seminar rooms typically have moveable furniture which you may wish to set up in a different way to reflect how you wish to conduct your session.

Make sure you have thought about how you would like the room set up and if you want to make changes you might need to arrive early to do so.

Tip 2: Test the technology

Ensure you know what is available in the room. If you’re using slides take the file on a data stick just in case. I print my slides too and if the system goes down I can still show the slides using the visualiser.

If students need to use an app to respond, e.g. Poll Everywhere, Kahoot! or any others, have you tested it? If you plan to play a video clip, have you tested it?
Is there lecture capture available? Students benefit from lecture capture as a revision aid and also to review difficult concepts and those who cannot be present can also use it to catch up on content. 

Tip 3: Make a connection with your students

Plan how you will make a connection with the group. We often teach large numbers of students which can feel impersonal. How are you going to make each student feel that they are a valued part of your class?

Often students don’t know each other so it helps to encourage them to try to connect with each other as well. This recent presentation at the Chartered Association of Business Schools 2019 Learning, Teaching and Student Experience Conference provides a range of useful ideas to get students talking and working together. Perhaps you would prefer to rely on traditional ice-breakers: there are some suggestions here.

Tip 4: Pack your teaching bag

If you haven’t taught the lesson before, prepare to improvise if required. Perhaps the session moves faster than expected, perhaps you have to reprise some difficult concepts.
It is handy to carry the following:

• Register for the session
• Whiteboard markers and whiteboard rubber
• Post-its
• Pens
• Paper
• Slide clicker
• Spare batteries for microphone/clicker

Tip 5: Set expectations

Arrive on time and welcome the students as they enter the class. Make yourself available for individual questions at the end of the session rather than racing away.

Set expectations for the module or course up front: 

• What are they going to learn?
• How are they going to learn?
• What do they need to do?
• How will it be assessed?
• How can they contact you?

Most importantly

Smile and enjoy the session – your students will follow your lead.

The views expressed are the author’s and not ICAEW’s.