Preparing for Class
I always make a schedule of what I expect the students to do during the semister. This gives the students that they will pass the class because they could either prepare the work early and hold it until it's due or if they miss time from class they won't feel like they are falling behind because they know exactly what they missed and they can prepare it for their return to school.
Hi Daniel:
The problem with consistent disorganization from an instructor is the potential loss of credibility with the students, and the message it may send, which is “I’m not concerned enough about your learning to be organized for youâ€.
Regards, Barry
On a similar vein, I give my students a weekly schedule. Which not only helps them with due dates and topics, but helps me keep organized and on track.
Hi Stacy:
This is great! If we instructors come across disorganized, in addition to losing credibility with the student, we may inadvertently send the wrong message to the student.
Regards, Barry
Hi Regina:
To piggy-back on your statements, one good idea to set up a schedule for the day is to write out the objectives for the day on the white board, consistently every class.
This sets up the "tone" for the class and prepares the student to get into learning mode for themselves.
Regards, Barry
Hi Vanessa:
This is a great idea because it offers the student a timeline of sorts to help them keep track of both where they should be in their learning, as well as what they should understand at different points.
Regards, Barry
At the start of every course, I hand out a syllabus which explains the entire course layout. Along with this, I write on the board exactly what will be covered for the day. I have all my handouts laid out and hand them out when I reach the corresponding pages in their text books. This gives me the ability to never slow down and flow seemlessly through the material.
Being prepared for class is a necessary ingredient for setting an example of a good work ethic. Having hectic schedules sometimes leaves an instuctor exhausted, and presents opportunity for procrastination. Being a morning person myself, I've found that setting my alarm an hour early gives me ample alone time to prepare for class with a fresh mind and minimal distractions.Obviously not everyone is a "morning" person, but finding a time and place that fits your schedule should be a priority.
Along with teaching at a school, I also perform training at various companies. Having your information organized and ready for class makes the class run smoother. I offer handouts at the beginning of each class that list what I hope to cover that day. The students can write their own notes on this paper and keep it for the future.
I also like to have a clear schedule what we are doing each class and what assignments are due and when. This gives them clarity and also helps if they have been absent.
