Does your teacher depend on notes, or speak off the top of her head?

Question

I am taking an interesting class during the evening through the local community college certificate adult education program. The class is three hours long and about two hours is lecture. What is amazing to me is the teacher does not use notes. He is able to have a two hour clear, understandable presentation using interesting material without any: ahhs, um, anda's, you know, or any other distracting mannerisms WITHOUT NOTES of any kind.

I asked him after class how he is able to speak so long and so clearly without using any written materials (notes). I asked him if he memorized the presentation. He said no. I asked him if he had been doing this presentation for years, he said no. In fact he just makes it all up as he goes. This was the first time he has taught a class.

Is this a sign of a good teacher? Are other teachers able to lecture without notes and make it seem natural.

Teachers: are you using notes, memory, a book or school developed materials for your lectures?

Answer 1

I teach math, and I have a basic outline of what I am going to cover, and I prepare a few examples ahead of time (it's faster than having to go find a calculator while I'm teaching).  I do not plan out exactly what I'm going to say because I change from one class to another depending on their interests, abilities, etc.  Sometimes while I am teaching, someone asks a question that reminds me of something interesting relating to the topic, so I talk about that for a few minutes.  Or if one class needs more examples, I make them up as I go (it's not easy coming up with pre-cal examples off the top of your head and getting them to come out with "nice" answers).  If someone doesn't understand, I might have to re-think the problem and see if I can explain it a completely different way than I had planned to.

In general, I think teachers should plan out the main ideas they want to cover in a class period so they stay on topic and cover all the material they need to, but I don't think it is a good idea to memorize a lecture or feel like you are a tape recorder that repeats itself every period.

Answer 2

I agree with the others. I've been teaching for six years now. When I first started, I felt awkward with my words at times. But now, I'll just get up there and talk for hours. I heard from a professor once in college that teaching is 10% knowledge and 90% theater. I have a general idea of what I'm teaching each day, but other than that it just all comes out naturally.  

Answer 3

It depends on the subject matter.  Sometimes in science and social studies I will talk while using a PowerPoint and do not have any notes as the PowerPoint prompts me.  In math, I will have notes because I want to give examples with "neat" answers.  Sometimes I will have notes with questions or points of discussion written down that I will use to prompt me when I am wanting to spur classroom discussion.

I think you will find that if someone knows their content, it will come through in a conversational manner even if they have notes.

Answer 4

We are required to use the school board approved curriculum.

Answer 5

Alot of teachers use notes (papers/index cards) and their good teachers.  

Answer 6

A teacher who really knows the subject and loves it, is able to teach in a conversational manner.  Their enthusiasm is contagious, and students pay attention and enjoy the class.  There is nothing wrong with using notes, especially if they are highlighting points in your textbook, which may be in your exams.    

Answer 7

Hes probably been doing it a while and knows the subject well