Expecting the Unexpected: Coping Skills for Dealing with Unexpected Classroom Situations

Abstract

Every experienced management instructor has faced unexpected circumstances that precipitate a quick preparation for a class session in an ongoing course. Issues of being unprepared are put in context of both the instructor's personal feelings and the particular course and students. The article focuses on design skills and solutions that have worked for the author and her colleagues. Seven design criteria for quickly prepared sessions (QPS) are presented and practical examples given for a variety of class situations. The strategies can be kept on hand for when a QPS arises or used as part of overall class planning.