Page 207 - Making Instruction Work

chap 16 3/11/97 5:10 PM Page 193

tryout 193

the professional approach to procurement: Hold your
breath, throw a tantrum, throw yourself at the feet of
your department head or manager, and plead for the
items you need. If you’re in the military, the term “mid-
night requisitioning” may be appropriate here.

2. Duplicate enough materials for the first run-through.
Not more. Get a large stamp that says DRAFT and stamp
all the materials.

3. If other instructors or assistants will participate in the
tryout, walk them through the procedures. If they are
going to assist with the instruction itself, give them some
practice in handling the portions they will be assigned.

4. Make a copy of the course procedures (described in
Chapter 18) for each student.

5. Put everything in its place, and then check your prepara-
tion.

6. Get a notebook (five by eight inches or larger) and in big
letters write on it, “Comments and Suggestions.”

7. Place this book in a prominent place in the classroom
(your desk is fine for this).

8. When the students arrive, welcome them, tell them
which course this is (in case they thought they were wait-
ing for a bus to Fresno), hand out copies of the course
procedures, and explain them briefly.

9. Tell them that this is an update of an existing course, or
a new course, whichever is true. Then tell them that you
are sincerely asking their help in improving it. If it’s an
update, assure them that what they’re getting is at least as