Job Discussion Forums

[Denim-Maniac]

Thought this might be an interesting topic.

There has been mention of lesson plans in a few threads recently. I wonder if it might also relate to the 'giving and taking' thread thats quite lively and recent.

My list of poll options isnt too long. I think Ive covered enough options, certainly ones that cover my interests. I will consider adding more options if people feel the poll needs it (assuming anyone is interested!) I generally feel that materials and plans are two very different things, but Im not splitting them for the purpose of a poll.

My personal view or option is that I share some of my materials and plans with both my colleagues and with my employer. I can be protective of them in the instance of sharing classes with a colleague ... its galling to share material or an idea with someone to then discover they use it with your students first meaning you cant use it yourself. Generally though I think Im quite accomodating and am normally very willing to help a newer or uncertain colleague as long as there is no conflict of interest.

Ditto with my employer ... as long as there is no conflict of interest I am quite willing to leave materials for my employer too. I did actually offer to compile a database for my summer school employer last year.

I get the sense Im in the minority here though? Especially when it comes to sharing with employers. Apart from the conflict of interest mentioned Im curious why people would be so protective so please feel free to add any explanation.

[johntpartee]

I'll share anything with anybody at any time. I don't see the problem. We're all trying to help students learn English. If somebody thinks some of my ideas are good and they wanna use 'em, I feel flattered.

[fat_chris]

^^^ Likewise, I'll share with my colleagues (I chose the second option). My colleagues are decent people and they help me out with personal and professional issues, so it's the least I could do. I also believe in the give and take.

Warm regards,
fat_chris

[hilena_westb]

I consider anything I write, create, etc. copyrighted, personal information and don't share it. It's all professional work product. There is a difference between providing Lesson Planning documents and providing the actual work product.

Sharing ideas is fine, but my work is my work and is what separates my professional performance from others. Why do the work for everyone else unless you get paid for it.

Making it sound like share and share alike is an old-boys-club-friendly-way-to-be is simply making the job/profession exactly the opposite, unprofessional and meaningless.

[johntpartee]

I teach at a school for students who are going to be teachers; I'm assuming that many of them are going to use some if not all of the stuff that the instructors are presenting to them.

Perhaps you could elaborate on your last sentence, hilena_westb, I don't get it.

[Denim-Maniac]

[fat_chris]

[kungfuman]

I taught a business class and had 2 different classes for the same subject. Another ft had the same subject with 2 other classes. We shared exam material - other than that we did our own thing but held communial exams.

[wonderingjoesmith]

I would NOT share my lesson plans with either colleagues or employers; however, I would put forward my advice on how to approach the academic program or certain problematic parts of it. If called on, I would also reach out in areas of classroom management.

My view is that most teachers and students are NOT alike, and so one teacher�s lesson plan may be a guide to failure for another. A plan of one teacher, which probably favors his/her style in one classroom, may in fact have a detrimental effect on the other teacher in another classroom. Furthermore, providing lesson plans to educators may just take the academic freedom away and encourage uniformity that is seemingly so recommended in this country.

Professionalism in education is about a balance in between the schools� programs and their teachers� skills and talent. It is about independence and creativity. In a professional environment, teachers are in charge of what they teach as well as they are responsible for general societal values their students learn.

Educational institutions with clear academic programs/goals, appropriate recruiting, inductions and professional development workshops do not need stockpiles of lesson plans from previous teachers. Directions from previous or other current teachers of a school may be useful in a case of weak curriculum, support or management. Lesson plans filing may also be beneficial to schools that want to restrict, or perhaps control, teachers and their students.

[Denim-Maniac]

[Non Sequitur]

[it'snotmyfault]

[roadwalker]

I share with whoever asks. I have some idea about what works for me, but another teacher might struggle with the same material or approach. Hell I sometimes struggle with a second or third class with a lesson that worked great previously. With new teachers my material or plan gives them another option. They still have to convert it to their own style. And I'm always open to ideas or materials from colleagues as well. Just trying to help students learn.

[Denim-Maniac]

[kungfuman]

To share a little more insight into my feelings about this topic:

The school I work for used to hire an outside company to come teach IELTS twice a week to my students. One of the better IELTS schools in Suzhou.

After the first semester they stopped the contract with this school and started having one of their ta's teach the IELTS to the students - using IELTS school's book.

The ta does a pretty poor job teaching this subject.

AND I hold my school in pretty high regard.