Organized and prepared to teach
It is very important to be prepared and ready to teach because students are watching you. I had one student to come to me about an Instructor not being on time and always trying to get prepared while class is in session. The student was concerned about his/her grades being missed placed due to the instructor not being prepared. For one never discussed what will happen with the instructor to the student, you can tell the student that you will check into the situation and for them to continue their work until you get back with them.
Now for the instructor, that instructor will be given the option for improvement because they do have students watching and looking up to them for assistance in their career field. Instructors should know that our assistance/behavior affects how the students learn and behaves.
Hi Melissa:
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
The class I teach it taught three times a day and each class is in different parts of the phase. Mine being the day class I have more access to the person who does the printing. It keeps me hopping as I never know what the people in the other classes will use.
I agree, you should try to get the classroom handouts and material copied a few days before the class. I try to be a week ahead (e.g. copies made during the week are for the next week lessons).
Hi Christin:
I would guess that if students cklass time has to delayed because the teacher is making copies, they have failed their duties as an instructor.
Prepared means planning, thought gathering resources, time and effort along with reviewing the lesson material has all preceeded the class day. Anything less is unlikely to produce stellar results, and may even diminish the trust and respect the students have for their teacher.
Regards, Barry
Hi Barbara:
Students like stories. I find that illustration by examples or case studies from the real world are good ways to couple the content, capture attention, and perhaps stimulate discussion. Of course, everyone in the the story has to remain annoymous.
Regards, Barry
Coming to class on time and prepared to proceed speaks volumes to the students. The best form of teaching is to "Lead by Example". If you, as the instructor, are unorganized and ill prepared, it sends a message to the students that what you and they are doing is not important.
And, yes, I agree that the students are watching you. If you are fun and become one of the students, they like you; but, I would much rather be respected by them.
A teacher should never, under any circumstances, discuss another student or instructor with students; it is unprofessional to say the least.
I always try to have additional activities and projects on hand for use in any "down time" or for extra work on competencies.
After my first year of teaching, I have learned not to procrastinate. If I leave making copies to the day of class and the copier breaks down, I'm dead in the water. Best to get everything done early to avoid the unforeseen problems.
