To me, I find it very important to be organized and prepared to teach because it boosts my confidence level. This way, I can easily show my passion and enthusiasm to what I am teaching. I can also give more very good examples and spend time getting feedback from my students. I can also be very animated because I'm prepared! The result is excitement and student engagement that will enhance learning.
Eric,
Good plan. I plan by working backwards from the end of the course to the beginning. It helps see vacant or open areas a lot better.
Barry Westling
I do this early in the semister. Before I start a class I create a list of projects and dates that I use a benchmark. Also giving this to the students keeps them on task and they can have questions about content before coming face to face with it.
Heather,
Yes, students expect their instructor will be knowledgeable and have the expertise to instruct the class, but equally important is credibility, respect and integrity. These traits will come as students see their instructor's efforts in preparing for class, making interesting and creative assignments, and enjoyable activities that enhance the student learning process.
Barry Westling
If it is expected for students to be prepared for class the teacher should be also. Students can read and will pick up if the instructor is not prepared and is winging it. It also does not help the instructor with credibility and professionalism if the instructor is not prepared.
Richard,
Time management is really self management (since we all have the same 24 hours in a day) so good preparation requires a commitment of time, planning and effort.
Barry Westling
First, we have a very limited time to deliver a great deal of information. Wasting time in the classroom to prepare would result in lost instruction time. Also we give timelines and assignments that we expect to be done on time, not being prepared for class will encourage students to be unprepared or late with their assignments.
Christine,
Instructors will definitely feel more secure and confident about their presentation and delivery materials when they have spent time in preparation. Rehearsal and practice is needed by individuals in other professions, and so it is with instructing classes. And we expect no less from our students. Students will recognize our preparedness and will appreciate our effort is for their benefit.
Barry Westling
Its important for the organization of class but also for the students to feel valued. I think it also helps me as a teacher to feel good about my teaching skills and help me to be more confident.
Denise,
For me, I find the biggest benefit to preparedness is my readiuness to conduct my classes smoothly, orderly, and thoroughly. That doesn't happen by accident.
Barry Westling
because when your organized, the student pay attention and will follow in your footsteps.
Lillian,
Yes, I believe students want and need direction and instructions about what is expected of them. When we are prepared, time to plan how best to conduct class will always result in better outcomes.
Barry Westling
ALISHA,
That is a good comparsion. if we are preparing students for the work force, then they should get a picture of how things are in the real world.
It is important for an Instructor to be prepared for class so that the students will get prepared. Students appreciate an Instructor who is organized and whom they can follow. This sets the tone for the class. The Instructor is the captain of the ship and must guide the students who ae the crew members.
It is good for the instructor to be prepared for class because it sets the tone for the class. the students need someone who is prepared and ready to deliver. An organized instructor is easy to follow and the students are less likely to be confused. Preparation is the key for success. If the instructor is not prepared or poorly prepared, then, her students will be also.
Tom,
True, and when the instructor has taken time and planned the day, students will appreciate that effort with perhaps better learning and certainly more confidence in their instructor.
Barry Westling
Michael,
Students appreciate the smooth flow of a seamless, well prepared class. I think they learn better and and have more confidence in their instructor when class is conducted this way.
Barry Westling
Being ready to go and set up for the flow of material insures consistancey from term to term.
By being prepared for class you can set the tone for the class. If you have to stop every few minuts to see whats next you disrupt the flow of the class and have to re focus on the next topic insted of flowing into the next topic.
Eric,
Part of being prepared is laying out the directions and expectatations for the day. Students will respond to instructions and guidence (in fact they need it) about how and what to do. When we are prepared, we can lay out the expectations for the day and then the course is laid for being carried out, methodically, transitioning between topic point after topic point. This can't happen automatically, it requires time, efoort, and planning to make it happen.
Barry Westling
