I'm not exactly sure how to answer this question because I feel it is to obvious. Why is important?, because the students are paying for an education and it's the instructors responsibility to be prepaired and ready for class. Students that feel the instructor is in adequate will not stay focused and possibly even more of an issue they could decide the school is not the right match and that can lead to high attrition
It is important that instructors are organized and prepared to teach because it promotes a smooth delivery of information. It also provides guidance for the students if they know what to expect next.
Being organized is important for an instructor because it allows the instructor to work effortlessly. It maintains a smooth flow in the classroom and it provides guidance for the students.
I cannot see myself not prepared for a lecture. This is not me. I like to be prepared in every aspects of my day. I have a lot of work ethic. Not being prepared it’s unconceivable. It is important that I read the same material students are reading. From there, I decide how much I need to cover, how many powerpoints I may need, develop one activity or two that will foster learning. I like case studies and application questions after the lecture. It helps me to know how much the students have retained. It is time consuming but it is important to me that students have all the tools necessary to their success. I like to be in control and being seen as responsible and professional.
It is important to be organized so the class runs smoothly. If the students arrive and you are frantically setting up, it sets the tone for the rest of the class. Students can sense when a teacher is unorganized and not prepared.
Each class that I prepare for and teach (even thought the same class number) is always a totally different group of individuals.
Many students have very few organizational skills. Therefore, I have a set amount of work on my class outline for each 50-minute period and use a check off system for the student to use as he or she proceeds with each part of the lesson.
Preparation on my part is key to keeping the class moving along and being able to complete the materials for that class period.
I also use various outside materials (particularly when we prepare business reports) that are relevant to the medical and business fields to keep interest and enthusiasm going in my classroom.
Hi Nancy:
Absolutely - the kinds of issues you describe can certainly change the energy in the learning environment into something hostile. Most of us would probably agree we don't learn well in a hostile environment.
Regards, Barry
Hi Katrena:
And, if an instructor is consistently disorganized, if may send a strong oposing signal, something like "I don't care about your learning".
Regards, Barry
Hi Deborah:
You got it - think about what message you may inadvertently send the student when we are consistently disorganized. After a while, it's kind of like saying "I don't care enough about your learning to be organized".
Regards, Barry
As a trial attorney for the past 32 years I feel that teaching is similar to trying a case before a jury- one must always be prepared. If an instructor is well-prepared for the classes he or she is going to teach, the students will learn more and they will also realize the importance of being prepared for whatever task they have in the near future.
Being prepared for your class shows the students that you are a professional and that you are ready for class/lab and teaches them that they should be prepared also.
Being prepared to teach lets the students know you are invested in their future and you care about thier learning. It provides you as an instructor creditability, and protrays a positive message to your students.
Being unprepared loses students attention as they feel it is not important to listen to someone who isn't invested in them.
By being organized it lets the students know that the instructor is really interested in the job and as well as them as students. Also it is a good role model for them.
It also inables the instructor to get more material covered in the alotted time.
I agree it also may show you don't know your stuff.
This is a given long gone are the days of respect for teachers and professors that show up as the "absent minded professor" typology. The students today are well attuned to the consumer mentality and want what they pay for.
Very true. Students often take cues from the instructor as far as what behavior is acceptable in the classroom. We can't expect students to conduct themselves in a professional manner if we aren't doing the same.
The teacher needs to set the example for being on time and being prepared. How can an instructor expect the students to do what they need to do, if he/she is not prepared. I would think that if an instructor does not come to class prepared to teach, the students might think that the instructor does not care about the studens and the class.
Hi Charlotte:
Additionally, being consistently disorganized may result in the wrong kind of message sent to your student, somthing like "I don't care enough about your learning to be organized".
Regards, Barry
