Getting Prepared
It is important to be prepared with all material before you begin class. Students will see how well organized you are. This teaches them how important it is to be punctual, neat, and organized when they are working in their chosen field.
Jeremy,
It sounds like you've appropriately prioritized the importance of adequate preparation and classroom organization. I'm sure your students appreciate your efforts and benefit from your activities.
Barry Westling
I am in agreement that being prepared is extremely important to send a message to the students that the instructor is an competent professional.
Before the semester begins I try to have all of my course materials prepared for most or all of the semester. I post my powerpoints for the entire class on the student portal. This allows them to print them out and have in classs. I also post any assignments and deadlines online.
I have had several students comment how much they appreciate these practices because it makes the material available to them 24 hours a day.
I have found an added bonus to this has been when a student complains that they could not complete an assignment because they didn't have time or they didn't know about it I can point out to them that it was posted the first week of class and I encourage my students to start working early in the semester on assignments that are due towards the end.
Eboni,
Sometimes it's very frustrating to share rooms when the previous instructor leaves the classroom a mess, dirty whiteboard, desks in disarray, etc. Among my most irritations is the dry erase markers with their caps left off, ink dried up - useless! I try to meet with these teachers to get an understanding of common courtesies expected and that should be embraced by all.
Barry Westling
Yes there are some small set backs when a classroom is shared or when another instructor teaches the same course at different times.
Bonnie,
Yep, students are keen on instructor actions, mannersims, practices, etc. When they see work and effort has preceeded a class, they recognize their instructor is prepared and ready for class, just as they should be.
Barry Westling
I agree. Being prepared is key. I am a full-time professor and I pay close attention to my surroundings. Students watch your every move. Remember you are the coach.
Dr. Rogers
Ghia,
In control is a perfect way to express the satisfaction well prepared instructors feel. And students both notice and appreciate this effort.
Barry Westling
Yes, it is true that it is important to be prepared with all material before you begin class. Students likes to see that their instructors are well organized. As an instructor it make me feel good and proud that I'am prepared for class. I feel more incontoll that way.
I absolutely agree with you. I feel more in control when I have everything together and am ready to teach. My only concern at times this there is another instructor who teaches in the same classroom, and has a habit of running over from time to time. But as the course suggested, I take a deep breathe and move on.
Katie,
Organization is a key requirement for adequacy with instructional practices. Classes go smoother and I think teachers provide better classes when all the resources are gathered and materials readied for class. And students appreciate the well organized instructor as well.
Barry Westling
I teach in a nursing program. Being organized when working in the health field can make or break your day. You never know when a stable client can turn sour and if not organized, the rest of your client can or will suffer from neglect.
Sarah,
We can be role models...for the good (being readied, prepared, organized, resources set) or poor (huuried, disorganized, lots of wasted time). Either way we make an impression. It's up to us to decide which type we want to make.
Barry Westling
