Teaching a class in an interest or expertise can look good on one’s resume and add to one’s professional standing. An individual can teach community education classes as a non-credit college class, through town adult education or recreation programs, and even at some retail shops. An Internet search and a discussion with people in a particular field will help make a person aware of professional conferences where they may teach.
The Purpose of Continuing Education
Consider who your audience is at a class or workshop. Why is someone devoting time and money to sit in your class? Avoid answering this question with a statement such as, “They are curious about the topic.” That might be the case, but what are they going to walk away with at the end of the class?
In a letter or proposal to the group or location you are interested in teaching, you should be able to give a general description of who would take your class – women in their 40s who are trying to lose weight, couples who will be getting married, Civil War buffs. A site wants to understand how what you are proposing will draw people to the school or conference.
Describing an Adult Education Class
Next, look at the planned content of the class. Chances are you had to describe the class when you proposed it. Before you start preparing for the class, look at the description you wrote, chance are, months ago. Make certain that what you teach is what people are registering for.
Jot down the topics you have in the description. Expand on them. Do you want people to listen to a lecture? Then plan time throughout the class for people to ask questions; this will keep people focused and attentive on what you have to say. If people ask about a topic that you have planned for later, tell them that and move on to another question.
If the class is described as hands-on, make certain that the participants get to do something. For a description that didn’t mention how the class would be taught, allow time for questions, group discussions, or personal reflection.
Planning Community Education
It isn’t necessary to write out the class in detail, however, a good outline is a must. Two hours isn’t a lot of time to discuss a topic and get the students to interact in a discussion or with activities. Try to plan a week or a few before the class occurs and then review and revise it at least a week before the workshop. Look for a logical flow of topics. Start the class by giving people a description of the topics to be covered.
Follow the outline. Again, people might ask questions or as you are talking you may jump to a different topic. Remember, you gave time and forethought to the outline before you got into the class. Keep directing yourself back to what you planned. Although spontaneity can work occasionally, bouncing around to all the topics you wanted to cover, but in a disorganized fashion, will diminish the work you gave to planning the class.
Developing and teaching a non-credit class or workshop can be a rewarding way to share an interest or to add to one’s professional resume. Know who could take your class (or who you hope will take your class) and provide a description that will entice people and let them know what they will walk away from the class knowing or having done. Outline the topic and review your notes for flow of topic. Planning beforehand will help the class run smoothly.
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