Planning, Teaching workshop or continuing education class

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.