Being prepared for class not only sets an example for the students of what professionalism is and how you show you are prepared for work, but the student also realizes that you care about what you are teaching and that you know your material. Unorganized instructors give off the vibe of being unprepared and just haphazardly throwing together material for the day.
Students can tell when instructors are disorganized and unprepared. I expect them to be prepared, so I should be too. This helps cover the material, helps with consistency across the class and puts students at ease knowing what to expect each meeting.
Kathy,
Competent, quality instruction plainly takes time and effort to plan for, and we are not serving our students (or employers) if responsible planning for every class does not occur.
Barry Westling
Being prepared is professional behavior, and we want to encourage our students to take on professional behavior, as they learn to assume their new careers. Also being organized is crucial for students' learning. As is said of computer programming, "Garbage in = garbage out." If your lesson is not well organized, students are less likely to grasp the content.
Frederick,
Terrific. It does take commitment, time and effort to be ready and organized. But as educators we have to be accountable and responsible to help our students in the best way we can. Not being prepared is a no-win situation.
Barry Westling
An instructor who is well organized and prepared will surely capture the students' attention. This creates a great impression on them and ultimately the instructor will gain their trust and respect, while the students gain confidence and focus more on learning.
michael,
Yes, and said in a different way, students will usually yield to the level of expectations conveyed by the instructor of their class. Setting a higher standard through preparation will soon become "business as usual" for students, and of course, they will likely achieve better outcomes as the result.
Barry Westling
Organization is critical to the success of your entire day, week, month.............students pick up on your level of organization and morph themselves to it. If you are ready to start at the right time, they are. If youare not ready and look unorganized, they will hesitate to become ready and cause disruption.
tara,
Solid preparation gives a more likely assurance that students will meet daily and course objectives.
Barry Westling
So she doesn't look like a fool. She needs or at least appear to be in control. Being organized helps achieve that.
Jonathan,
Most students have a need for order and structure in the classroom. It provides guidance, and assists with personal planning. Solid preparation and good classroom organization by the instructor will contribute to the foundation that leads to better student outcomes.
Barry Westling
The organization and preparation of the instructor reflects on the instructor personally and the institution as a whole. In addition, students find it difficult to learn new material if it is not presented in a conducive manner.
Sue,
A printed calendar is great. Similarly, listing on the white board the daily objectives, topics, activities, and perhaps resources needed also shows there has been preparation, and the instructor has a structured plan for the day.
Barry Westling
Students immediately "catch on" to the fact that you are unprepared and it sets the tone for the rest of that days class. I set out a calendar from day one that is printed for each student setting out the activities or lectures for the entire month. I do however tell them that we may veer from the written plan if we run into time contraints but that all of the material will be covered even if it goes into the next days lecture.
Kimberly,
Students need and appreciate when they see their instructor has taken time and effort to get their resources together and a thorough game plan. Better outcomes are more likely when this is the case.
Barry Westling
Organization is the key to a successful classroom. Effective visuals and materials aid in providing an effective lesson.
MARISSA,
When students see that their instructor has prepared for the class, getting all materials ready, and a planned list of class activities, it demonstrates the instructor is serious about the class and their instruction. When regularly prepared, students will begin to see that is the routine and they better be just as prepared.
Barry Westling
An instructor should be organized by having his lesson plan ready and up-to-date. All handouts should be prepared beforehand. The instructor should not have to leave the class unattended to copy anything. Class supervision should be maintained at all times. Organizing is also important. Laboratory supplies should be distributed orderly.
David,
Students want and need to feel their instructor is as ready and motivated to teach as they are to learn. Without preparation, a good learning session is not very likely.
Barry Westling
Be prepared and organized gives the student a sense of respect for their learning, and also makes them feel comfortable knowing they are in a class where the instructor is as passionate about the subject as they are.
