The impressions are almost immediate aren't they? I've seen students form very strong opinions just based on one session.
Being professional about teaching will also help establish that you are professional about your subject. Or at least it can help. If you are sloppy about your classroom, students will assume you're sloppy about what you know of the topic no matter how skilled you are in the subject.
Good organization also helps students perform better because they can more easily identify what classroom expectations are and how to access supporting information.
When I was a student I felt that it was disrespectful of the class if the teacher was not prepared. When the teacher is not organized it's difficult for students to follow and organize the material themselves. It's distracting and even annoying when teachers try to teach when they are not prepared.
Instructor organization not only creates a confident environment, but shows students that you actually care. There is nothing more frustrating than a teacher that appears not to care about his/her students. Each student in a higher education classroom is not only paying a hefty tuition, but they have made a choice to be there. The instructor must acknowledge and respect this fact and treat each student with dignity.
Hi Dana:
It does set a tone. Prepared teachers have more control and contribution to their students acheivements that lesser prepared teachers. Organization keeps "minds and desks" uncluttered with unnecessary information and material.
Regards, Barry
Hi Lisa:
You're right, student will work and complete assignments at different times. Anything that keeps them motivated and engaged in the topic while others are working behind or ahead is worthwile.
Regards, Barry
Hi Grace:
Yes. Although we are doing a job, when we're prepared, it shows and makes for a meaningful lesson to the students. Oraganized and prepared means I'm "ready to go!"
Regards, Barry
being organized and prepared for each class sets a tone to the class.
I prefer to handout materials as often and as soon as possible. The students work at different paces.. this way the students that finish a project will not be bored and can start processing what is next.
Students gain respect of you and it gives you more credibilty and develops trust in you. The students will feel you are and are there to teach them and are not just "doing" a job.
Hi Winston:
Goods common sense. There's a lot behind your words - we really have to work at it to make our lessons come together.
Regards, Barry
Hi Julie:
Good sentiments. I believe students respecty their teachers who they perceive are prepared and organized.
Regards, Barry
Preparation is fundamental to any professional. Assuming you know the material to be presented very well, common sense dictate that you explore several ways to present it. This will help you with introducing the material and reenforcing the concepts.
respect ha ha of course well i alwasy prepare early before each class and each new term it gives me peace of mind and i dont get stressed out and it gives me chance to make changes and the students grt more learning time with a thoroughly prepare teacher every thing runs smooth and the students feel a sense of belonging that there teacher cares about them which i do very much so
Hi Margaret:
I agree and think student are quick to pick up on less prepared instructors. That can possibly have a negative effect that reflects poorly on the instructor in the eyes of the students; it may be accurate, but that's the perception.
Regards, Barry
Hi Ellen:
Good - focus on individual needs. A teacher can't be prepared unless they're ready for most any circumstance and of course, ready to teach the material. Organization can facilitate that readiness.
Regards, Barry
Of course being prepared means the instructor will be able to better meet the learning needs of the students. Another reason, I believe, is that each instructor should be a role model. We all want our students to come prepared, shouldn't we do the same?
When thoroughly prepared for class the instructor can then focus on greeting students and on each of their individual needs.
I am usually well prepared and ready to go for my classes. I arrive at least a half hour before class starts to "be ready". The problem I have had this term is that the support system has been faltering as of late. Meaning, the copy machine is ALWAYS broke in the faculty lounge. I go to the print shop as plan B - "I'm sorry sir, it will be at least 30 min before we can have these." is the response. Makes me look like I'm unprepared to the class when I really wasn't. I am adjunct and work in the field of what I am teaching. So having the luxury of being a week ahead is not realistic. I have mentioned to those above me to bring up the copy machine issue at the next in-service. The response was it has always been like this and complaining won't change it. Any words of advice?
Hi Mark:
Yes, I agree students expect their instructor to be the most informed and knowledgeable person in the room. While that might be true, disoroganized teachers appear like they may be incompetent. What a shame. Organization just takes a bit of time, effort, planning, and perhaps creativity. Students will see and appreciate the effort given.
Regards, Barry
