It is important for an instructor to be prepared for each class and ready teach because engagement for students occurs in the first and last five minutes of teaching. And if you are runningaround caotically, or are sitting on the computer, or not payinag attention to the studnets than their minds will begin to wander and you will not be able to attain their attention after that. It is also important because the students are paying a significant amount of money for the full amount of time and knowledge that is alloted from you. Also, if you are organized and not a "parking lot planner" lessons tend to go more smoothly and are more fun for not only the student but you, the teacher.
Hi David:
I agree and underscore that expectations can play an important role in student performance. By sharing what is expected, and having a plan to sequencially follow through, the students will begin to expect "this is how this class goes" and they'll be better positioned to study, participate, and ultimately, learn the required material.
Regards, Barry
I like to be prepared and ready for class to show the students respect. I expect them to be ready, prepared and prompt, so I must do the same in return. Why should a student take me seriously and trust in me for information if I have the appearance that I am unorganized and barely putting myself together? I feel I have the role to set an example and show them how they should act and be prepared as a professional for their future.
Not only does good organization help the instrucotr to deliver the content better but it help students prepare thier minds for learning. No can learn in DISORGANIZATION. The instructor really cannot be that effective if he or she is disorganized. More attentioin may be drawn to the disorganized mess of the instructor than the instructions.
Great point,Because a student can not do does not mean they can not see.
Hi Christopher:
I agree that when students sense their teacher is prepared, it takes away some of the anxiety and tenseness out the environment.
The teacher is moving freely from topic to topic, students are comfortably asking questions, assignments and resources are readily available and are introduced in an orderly, planned sequence. These are some of the results a prepared teacher will achieve when they spend time planning and effort getting ready for class.
Regards, Barry
Hi Dennis:
When we're prepared, we have spent time and effort gathering the resources needed, planned the lesson and "gameplan" for the topic, and are ready not only to teach but to answer questions. Students appreciate when they recognize their teacher has prepared a full day of learning activities. It shows they care about the class.
Regards, Barry
Every instructor needs to be very organized and prepared before and during class everyday. When an instructor is unorganized students pick up bad habits, they have a hard time focusing and they might not get the right information they need to be successful.
Great point. The soft skills are a bridge for excellence in a chosen profession.
Students word of mouth travels far and wide very quickly. Especially when they are paying big money for quality education. And that is exactly what it should be. I my field we can show students how to prepare during class most of the time. There are still times when prepartion needs to be part of the lesson plan. Students need to feel secure about the way their education is being taught to them. If the instructor is not on point with how they learn there will be problems.
What do I look for in a teacher…
I learn slowly. I learn better in an organized positive atmosphere. I learn better when the information is repeated several times and when I feel comfortable asking questions without any fear of being made to feel stupid for asking the question. I learn better when the teacher reads and respects my feelings and attitudes especially since they don’t know me well enough to know how or why I am the way I am. I like teachers who attempt to get to know me. I like teachers that do not judge me but offer to help me accomplish what I am trying to accomplish. I like teachers that respect the fact that I have hired them to do this. I like teachers that watch closely to how I am progressing and communicate with me so I can improve. I like teachers that take the time to get to know me. I like to have a teacher who is talented but humble. I like a teacher who sticks to the program, to the order of business, to making the most of every minute of time we have in class – I like a teacher who works hard at trying to make the class interesting and meaningful. I like a teacher who isn’t looking to make an easy day for himself at my expense. I like a teacher who can push me but recognizes my limitations. I like a teacher who treats everyone equally and with genuine concern for everyone. I like a teacher who respects what he or she does and the place they work. I respect a teacher that doesn’t blame things on someone else or the company they work for. I like a teacher that never talks negatively about another person. I learn better from someone who practices what they preach. I think that most of us look for all or most of these things and maybe a few others when we are the student. It’s very important and necessary to evaluate ourselves and be honest. Am I the teacher that I would want to have?
You are absolutely right!!! That's what I used to get on the course surveys. I have been here long enough to stress the importance to my instructors of organized teaching. The whole campus is at risk of being scrutinized.
Instead of thinking it as an instructor, why not think about this as the student...Let see, the instructor does not have their notes ready to go, his papers are not organized, he's fumbling around the book...What type of impression would I have, not just about the instructor, but about the school in general...Not a good one...The student maybe thinking why in the world did I decide to go to this school???
Yes it was a quote but I forget where I heard it. I have been using it for years in class and when necessary show students how it would apply when they are not preparing or not preparing properly. The ability for students to understand preparation and its significance is part of the learning process and should always be included in a lesson plan.
Great statement. Was that a quote? When an instructor comes disorganized and not prepared for a lesson,she/he sets an example for the whole school. I will see it in the course surveys about the "school" not being organized. That's not fair, but each instructor sets an example for the whole school.
The instructor needs to organized and prepared to 1) show that you respect the students enough to come to the class prepared and not to waste their time, and 2) sends positive signals to your students
It shows your respect for the students and you will also set a good example for the students as far as how they should be prepared for class.
WHEN YOU FAIL TO PREPARE, YOU HAVE PREPARED TO FAIL !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great point there is great comfort in the knowing. The unknown can be built upon this.
It helps students know what to expect, so that they can better prepare for class. Once a pattern is created, the comfort level for the instructor and the students improves.
Hi David:
Students generally expect a qualified teacher who is approachable and helpful learn the material. When the observe something less, it can be disappointing, and even set the stage for lesser performance and effort by the students - why should trhey prepare if the teacher doesn't?
Regards, Barry
It helps our students knowing that we are always prepared for our class
