How to Prep for a Course You’ve Never Taught

Professors, especially junior professors, sometimes get asked to teach a class that is outside their area of expertise. Faculty can prepare themselves to teach theses courses by asking and answering a series of questions, an anonymous assistant professor working toward tenures, “Junior Prof,” writes in a recent blog post on Inside Higher Ed. The question and themes in the article include: “What does this course title even mean?”; “What do I want the students to get out of it?”; “Will I use a textbook or some other form of readings?”; “How do I want the students to be evaluated?”; “How can I create a syllabus that allows me to stay flexible?”; and “Staying Enthusiastic.” Answering the questions and developing techniques for teaching can create more inclusive classrooms that motivate students to learn.