Barry Westling

Hi Ann:
I could altruisically say the more ahead of time the better, which would be true. Unfortunately, it turns out that time seems to be our enemy most of the time. But teaching is like ofter crafts in that it takes continuous tweaking, revising, adding, modifying, etc. And that where that time thing comes to challenge us.

Theres a saying about "husltling while you wait" inferring that any extra moments be used for preparation. I know it works for students, why won't it work for instructors?

Regards, Barry

Ann Hadley

I know that for me, preparing a week before the lecture date allows time for me to go a little more indepth on my own to be able to speak to my students in ways they will understand.

Barry Westling

Hi David:
Many times the topic is so familiar to the instructor they will have little difficulty teaching "off the cuff". I would think it's rare that an instructor could plan on an extemporaneous class session on a regular basis.

Regards, Barry

David Mokrejs CHEP

Preparation certainly helps with the practical logistics of the day but I've had some of my best days flying by the seat of my pants also.

Barry Westling

Hi James:
What you've described is good preparation. It also demonstartes the advantage of haviving back up plans for when plan-B and plan-B are interrupted.

Regards, Barry

James Coombes CHEP

I try to get in early enough to make sure all my paperwork is ready and I have a goal in mind for where to finish the day.

Barry Westling

Hi John:
Preparation helps create the future, one that is geared to assist students attain their educational and vocational goals. Yes, it does promote confidence in their instructor, too.

Regards, Barry

John Staas CHEP

Preparation h elps me to run smoothly too, I feel like I can see the future when I know whats coming next in my course. The students see this and become more confident in your teaching skills and what they are being taught.

Barry Westling

Hi Ronnie:
Planning your lesson with consideration of natural or topic breaks is a good idea, as it recognizes students can take just so much at any given time.

Regards, Barry

Ronnie Turley CHEP

alot of times preperation can focus the instructor better for the class also helps you deside when to break subject matter to prevent bordom.

Barry Westling

Hi Ryan:
Yes, I would imagine preparation would assist with your lecture-to-lab transition. People don't like "down time", even if they never say anything about it.

Regards, Barry

Ryan Galatti

Being well prepared, allows me to seamlessly make the transition from lectureing to a lab situation. It keeps the students motivated and leads to less down time.

Barry Westling

Albert:
Yep - have to agree as well.

Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Richard:
You bet. You are a role model in more ways than one. Demonstrating preparedness is one important aspect of that modeling and mentoring.

Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Greg:
Absolutely. Besides information and subject experts, we can demonstrate good work habits and be examples of good role models.

Regards, Barry

Albert Brown CHEP

Correct you are Dr. Venditti. With out preperation a class can become a mess. With preperation any twist that occurs during class can easily be handled.

Richard Molloy

I like to arrive early it is important for the students to see you always orginized I believe they are more at ease when the day's course outline is met each day.

Gregory Gunter CHEP

Being prepared also sets a good example for the students.

Barry Westling

Hi Rob:
Preparation is never a wasted effort.

Regards, Barry