If an Instructor is not organized and prepared it makes it hard for the students to understand the information that they have been given.
You have to be organized or you will look like you are not prepared to handle the class.
Dan,
Albert Einstein said "keep everything as simple as possible, but not simpler". I've adapted that to my teaching to strive to not overcomplicate things and give just just what's needed. Of course I want students to prepare and to become active critical thinkers. So part of my daily instruction most days is allocating time for students to pair-share, or other group discussion activities. Reviewing (instructor and student) at the end of class helps develop these skills as well.
Barry Westling
Shortly after I began my teaching career, I read somewhere not to "over-prepare" for a class. I keep trying to remember those words, but often overlook this. I'm sure it means something different to each instructor.
It cautioned against over-preparing for a class (which I often do). It causes a rushed atmosphere of "let me try to get this all in today" that's stressful on both ends.
I try to remember those words, and wanted to pass that along to the other readers.
Marco,
What you describe is a real possibility. It's interesting that as paid employees of or schools we work in there are instructors who would come to class unprepared. This is really quite arrogant, and really, an insult to our students who have sought as out to be their facilitators of knowledge.
Barry Westling
An instructor needs to be organized to class because students are watching and taking note. If students see that the instructor is disorganized, students will assume the the instructor will be disorganized in class. Worst of all, students will not trust the instructors grading methods and will fear that he is making mistakes.
Roberto,
Students are so easily distracted, something seemingly so minor such as a less than fully prepared instructoir can mean the difference between the students being engaged and focused, to them zoning out and caring little about the daily lesson. That's our responsibility to make sure they stay fully engaged.
Barry Westling
The instructor must be organized to deliver the lecture, if the class is not organized the class is going to be a mess and the students will feel bad and not focus on the material.
Darron,
I think it's assumed instructors should know their stuff. A less familiar sentiment is, "hey we're paid to be there, be ready, be prepared, and give 110% to our students. Students will live by whatever expectations are given.
Barry Westling
students can sense when you are not comfortable in an area. Some will explore that area to throw you off. be preapred and organized means knowing the material and being prepared for questions that my follow a lecture session. It is key to have preparation in order to create structure.
Ob,
Also, they need to feel their instructor is taking the course seriously, has expectations, and is prepared to deliver consistently superior lessons.
Barry Westling
shows students that you are prepared and they feel more comfortable with your teaching
Kevin,
Primarily, we're hired to be ready with material and resources in order to conduct our classes. The students perception of our readiness will be enhanced when effort has gone into the preparation process.
Barry Westling
Students can definately sense an air of confidence when it's present.
Eddy,
Of course, the main thing is were are paid to be preared. But more impotantly, good preparation makes for better classes, smoother delivery of lessons, andseamless transitions from one topic to another. It's the difference between a polished presentation and sloppy teaching. The prospect of better trust and respect occurs from good preparation.
Barry Westling
Students know right away when a teacher is not prepared. It allows the class and students to keep the learning at a staedy flow.
Salah,
We can be effective role models for students with good pre-class preparation.
Barry Westling
all the time need to be prepered well at the begaining of the class peroid and organizsion of all paper befor you start the lecture give you very goog imprassion to the students and make a good motaviation for them to challange this fact and bring it to reality.
Austin,
Yes, students do want and yearn for clarity and direction, and that's one of the responsibilities of of the instructor. It takes some effort for the instructor to get their class readied for student instruction.
Barry Westling
Daniel,
It's said "we have one chance to make a good first impression". Amplifing that, what we convey by our actions, words, and expectations stated in the course syllabus all contribute to the students perception of preparedness. Students want to have clear direction. They will do as they want if the instructor does not provide the needed direction.
Barry Westling
