I would try to keep up to date in the subject areas, new technologies, and pedagogic methods. A Science professor must be able to consult Science or Nature. Based on the academic program I define theoretical and practical work. Groups of 30 students are organized in "research teams".
In a conference or lesson (60 minutes) explaining only one or two issues. A tipical lesson consist of a general introduction (5 minuts), to relate new information with previous lessons. The new content or main part takes 40 minutes. It is important to introduce practical examples, exercises, and show illustrations (for example, using a computer). During recapitulation one can stimulate students with questions.
In a Medicine School it is mandatory to correlate basic science with medical or clinical practice. Also make references to the importance of basic science in pathology.
Finally it is good to repeat the main concepts and to orientate the best way to study the main subject. I use to give details of bibliografic research.
I find very important to create a positive learning enviroment. A professor must earn the students respect. It is his/her duty to capture the students attention with a high quality "product": an interesting lesson
The process I use for planning a unit consist in 4 basic steps:
1) Define and clarify what section the unit is about: name, part of the academic program, theoretical contents, practical contents, chapter or section of the main reference book, time schedule and relation with other units.
2) I focus on what are the students supposed to learn in this unit. What are they going to be able to achive.
3) Which are the best materials and methods.
5) The teacher must ask his/her self about the best teaching conditions, resources and students needs.
It could be helpfull to prepare "emergency" materials. Also oral questions, multiple choice tests, reading guide and a practical proyect, if it is the case.
If your are teaching Medicine students it is very important to foment ethical values, discipline and hard work. In the case a student is not being succesful in my classroom firstly I would identify the specific problem. I would express my interest in the students difficulty. And I would offer extra help.
From 1972 to 1985 I was full time Professor. That was a significant experience. I worked with Biology studentes as well as with second year students at the main Medicine School in Havana,Cuba. We used to have very high standars. And I can said I contribute a lot to medicine student basic instruction or preclinical instruction.
