I think it is important for instructors to be prepared for class because we as instructors set examples for our students. How can we expect them to be prepared and organized if we cannot? Also, being prepared helps make your presentation of materials easier and more efficient. It is always good to have your lessons planned out ahead of time to be able to give the students 110%.
We as instructors set a standard or example for our students. What kind of message are we sending to our students if we come to class unprepared and unorganized? How can we expect the students to be prepared and organized if we can't? It is also easier to get your point across and focus on key aspects of the lecture when you are organized, prepared, and ready to teach!!
Hi Roger:
Another good principle alluded to here. Organized teachers save time, avoid wasted time (students and teacher), serve as good role models, prepare their lessons for different situations (student questions, unexpected interruptions, technolgy failure, etc).
And because they work more efficiently, classes run smoother, are calmer and more relaxed, and provide a better learning environment. I mean, how nice to be able to converse with students before class about ....whatever, creating better relationships, getting to know them better.
Of course there's the obvious, organization provides for more clarity in the delivery of instruction, thus creating more time.
Regards, Barry
Hi Roger:
It's unfortunate that classes have to resort to contracts, but in my program, all students sign a page that states they've read, understand, and had an opportunity to have their questions answered.
A key principle here is expectation. I believe most students generally want to meet expectations, at least until they find a barrier (or let something become a barrier) that slows them down. Setting high expectations gives everyone at least a good chance of meeting the minimum.
So, if we really want 85-90% by most of the class, we can set the expectation at 95-100%, with some meeting that, some falling just below, and some just barely meeting it, But we'll see fewer students falling below the average.
Regards, Barry
Hi Bernabe:
Good. Prepared teachers do have a plan, have put time and effort into their preparation, have gathered the needed resources and are able to take student questins or unexpected interruptions in stride, seamlessly and calmly transitioning from one topic to the next.
This usually doesn't happen by itself, work is involved in order to have good classes. Well prepared classes are noticed and respected by students, and teachers who fail to prepare well may not achieve the learning outconmes they hope for.
Regards, Barry
Hi Lisa:
Yes, when we're prepared students recognize time and effort, thought and planning, and gathering of needed resources has occured. These things don't happen by themselves. Respect and trust are more likely too, when a teacher has put in the "elbow grease" to put on na great lesson.
Regards, Barry
Hi Carol:
Keeping students focused and attentive is a constant challenge. With good preparation, we can deliver better lessons as our organization has given us competence and confidence to portray the teacher in charge, calm, relaxed, comfortable with the material.
Regards, Barry
Hi Arturo:
Preparation: Yes, we can be a sort of role model for students when they see our degree of organization, realizing that time, effort, thought, and planning went into these lessons.
Improved trust and respect usually results from teachers who prioritize the preparation of class lessons.
Regards, Barry
Being organized and ready to teach shows respect for the students' time and eagerness to learn. It alos sets a good example.
Hi Barbara:
Many teachers are drwn to our profession becuase it allows them to express their creative and organizational traits in a positive and productive manner.
It's kind of like packing for a trip - some are very orgaized (space is at a premium) and others just throw things together. Organization helps save time, make use of resources to their maximum, makes for even and logical transitions in topics, and usually assures everything needed will be ready when the time comes.
Regards, Barry
I go over the syllabus too and I also give each student a contract they must sign. The contract is the syllabus in a different form. If there is ever an issue, such as "i didn't know that", I refer the student to the contract they signed during the first class.
At the beginning of every class I write the day's work on the board followed by the following weeks. If there's any work to be turned in or exams scheduled I emphasize that too.
Do I have students say, 'I didn't know that', sure I do. I quickly mention the schedule, the contract, and the syllabus. They usually get the message.
From a selfish perspective being organized is a lot less work for me. Students will reach to the teacher and their work will reflect be sloppy if the instructor is unorganized and sloppy.
I like to be able to get my work done and apeprwork completed in the fasted way possible. To accomplish that, I must be organized.
Hi Susan:
Yes, students should appreciate the time and effort teachers put into preparing bfor a class. Also, organized teachers save time by having all resources ready, getting to the point, staying on task, and having less wasted time and useable time for student questions or other discussion that adds to improved class performance.
Regards, Barry
Hi Erika:
Some students may see the degree of preparation of the teacher and emulate it. Others seem to just see the instructor as a vehicle to give and grade assignments.
Good preparation can help prevent the latter. Putting in the time and effort, thought and planning, and gathering the media, resources, and materials needed for the lesson make the class run smoothly, in a clam and relaxed manner, and that make for a more enjoyable and interesting class - that makes it memorable.
Regards, Barry
Hi Laurel:
Organized teachers have taken time and effort and systematically thought out how the class can be conducted, what preparation is needed, identifying resources and teaching aids, and assuring they are prepared with the covered material as well.
Smmoth classes rarely happen without preparation. The coordinbation preceding a well organized class is worth the effort in saved time, effective use of the instructor as resource, and time for unplanned questions, interruptions, or delays for whatever reason(technology can be a bummer).
Regards, Barry
it makes it easier for the instructor to come to class with a very well thought out plan. Students can be very unpredictable, it is best to know ahead of time what you are going to do and possibly have a backup plan in case everything falls apart.
It is just the same as forming a good impression with your students. If your organized then your students will have a more positive outlook especially if this is their very first class.
Hi Shawn:
Some teachers feel that because they taught the same material before, or that their education, training, work experience, and skills have given them a degree of knowledge, their level of preparation can be weak.
"Nothing good results from lack of effort". The problem is that unless the class is very astute or sharp and knows the material already, they won't know what information they could be getting, or perhaps delivered in a more meaningful way.
But they will notice unprepared, and waht a waste of valuable time that consumes over time. That's the real shame.
Regards, Barry
Hi Earnest:
Teachers who are organized have taken the time to prepare their lessons, gathered the resources needed, have teaching aids ready, and prepared themselves for lectures or other delivery of the course material.
This takes time, effort, thought and planning, and won't happen automatically. Good classes take preparation - and students will notice when good teacher have put in that time for their behalf.
Regards, Barry
I believe being prepared and organized is one of the most important skill that an instructor will need to do well in front of their students. If the day is going poorly, knowing what you had prepared you may be able to change the order of how it is presented and you will not be frustrated by making adjustments to the plan.
Students need to be aware of the plan for the day and it helps them stay focused as well.
