Boy scout motto #1
Being prepared is always a good idea. It is the key to successful instruction. Taking into consideration the total environment is something most people do not consider especially as a less experienced teacher.
I can easily identify with the "Be Prepared," motto. I recall describing to students how their perception of their knowledge and skills will hit peaks and valleys. On day they will think they know everything and then suddenly something new will pop up and they (we realize) oops we don't know it all. I tell them that this is part of a normal career progression and helps us to understand that learning newer ends.
As for us instructors many of us through out our career will experience peaks and valleys. From my personal experience I have always learned from the challege of being prepared and even enjoyed the challenge of having to hussle when challenges arose. There is nothing wrong with saying "I don't know, or I remember seeing that before...Let me research that and we will revisit it tomorrow." One should always strive to "Be Prepared," but the reality of this world of technology and constant change is that we can not always know the answer to every question. The reward of this profession is that there are few constants and technology demands we never stop learning or the process of being prepared.
I also feel that being prepared is a must to be ready to teach the class and the more that you prpare for the class the easier I have found it to respond to unusual questions that may come up. I also find that even though I am prepared the night before the class do do a quick run thru of the next day helps maintain the preparedness.
Brings me back to my Scout Days, good memories.. Important to be prepared, but sometimes situations cause us not to be prepared.
I have always tried to be as prepared as is possible on the first day. I always tell my students that you only get one chance for a first impression and so it is here. The most diffecult part of the first day besides names is trying to figure the balence between class and lab time. I have guide lines but every class is different. To some the lab comes easy others it is the class work. I find that being prepared involves having a plan A, a plan B, and sometimes even a plan C. But that is what makes teaching fun and always interesting.
being prepaird is the best thing you can d every day before class
I can not agaree more. I beleave being prepared and orginized from the moment your students arive in you class is the key to " putting your best foot foward"
I have found that careful and thorough preparation minimizes the "New Class" jitters for me. It keeps you on track when you are nervous and likely to make mistakes. The students in turn see you as organized and gain respect for the instructor.
Being prepared also builds students' confidence in their instructor, and students will often emulate the instructor's habits as the courses progress.
Yes, it is a good idea. I believe doesn't matter how much experience you have got, you have to always be prepared.
