To think a zombie plan makes a reasonable teaching presentation?

[zombieplanmum]

I have an interview this week for a biology lecturer at a local college. I was thinking of using a "zombie plan" as an analogy for an immune response, and then present a ten minute intro to the immune system after introducing it as the body's "zombie plan" against infection. Just to add a bit of a spin to the lesson really.

I mentioned this to a few geeky scientist friends and they thought it was a good idea, but when i mentioned it to my DP and another non-scientist but very geeky friend they both made faces and didn't really know what a zombie plan is - firstly, they are being unreasonable, i thought everyone knew bout zombie plans, or is that just everyone on mumsnet?

So my question really is - will the interview panel even know what a zombie plan is?

and if they do, will they think its a bit patroising? I am not sure exactly what courses i will be teaching on, they do a range from GCSE, A levels, HNC and health science courses, but all of the students will be post sixteen and assumably chosing college so they are treated more as adults etc, so would the "zombie plan" analogy be a tad silly?

My hope is that it would be seen to be a bit quirky and engaging and of course most of my ten minutes will be proper science talking about components of the immune system and what they do?

Any thoughts on this, i only have until wednesday to do this and i'm busy all this weekend so i need to be focused and have a good idea to work on. This is knocking around in my head and i think i cn make a good lesson out of it, i need to kick it out if people think its odd - i don't want to have to explain what a zombie plan actually is, that would be worse than a comedian having to explain a joke

It sounds good to me but I am a geeky scientist.

I'd strongly suggest you ask what is the target audience, though, or at least point it out when you start.

Another question - I am to present to a panel of four (other lecturers and a HR bod i think) as if they were students. Am going to aim it at A level Biology. I have to provide a lesson plan - What does this need? A learning Objective? What is to be covered? A plenary? - i don;t have any teaching experience as such.

They want "teaching material" i wasn't necessarily planning on having any really, but do you lovely ladies think i should have some sort of activity planned? I only have ten minutes! arggggghhhhhh Am thinking maybe a "Jigsaw" puzzle of a flow chart of steps in the immune response? Would that be too simple?

See, the jigsaw puzzle seems a bit tame for a zombie attack - but then short of going into the interview armed with flame throwers im really not sure

I love this idea! Go for it! But ask the panel first if they're all familiar with the concept of a zombie plan, and have a very snappy explanation ready for anyone who says no.

Was thinking of having a scene from "shaun of the dead" for my opening slide

zombieplanmum - if you are aiming it at A level you might like to have a look at the specification to see what sort of detail you need to go into - the first time I taught immune system at AS I think I overdid it with the information!

I think my students would enjoy this but I'd have to explain what a zombie plan is first, I expect.

Also - do you know there's a "staffroom" board on here now for teachers? You might get some more help there...

I love all things zombie. It sounds a fab idea

I love this idea! Both teaching jobs I got and any interviews I got were through being a bit "different" so I would go for it!

I'm wondering if I can adapt it to suit my year 4s... But I think zombies might be frowned upon for 8 year olds

Well, the talk went really well actually, they didn't really get what the zombie plan was per se, but it was a good "starter" in terms of introducing the concept of infection and immunity. I gave a good interview too, but i didn't get the job :( I don't know this for definate yet but its the old, if you have the job we will speak to you today, if not we will write to you - err thanks for nothing then guys. I know i haven't got it because all the other candidates with either qualified teachers or already college lecturers, and yep, one internal applicant. I just get so frustrated, yes it was good experience but i know that i was there to fill in the numbers i would have had to be outstanding to get the job and i was good, in fact i thought i was very good, but not outstanding.

Really peed off

I'm sorry. It's horrible, being rejected