I agree you can interacte with your students
David,
So true and so important. This little extra can reduce so much stress on you as you get ready to start the class. You have a feel for the class and are ready. This is what makes teaching fun.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Showing up early provides opportunity to be organized, prepare teaching tools and equipment, and trouble-shoot possible roadblocks that the instructor may encounter with the class.
Being prepared increases your confidence. competence, and character.
DP
Ronald,
I agree with your assessment of being early and "floating" around in the class or lab. It really helps to integrate the students and yourself into the flow of the class that is about to start.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I start work an hour earlier than my scheduled class starting time. This way if I have any unfinished work that needs to be completed then I have ample time to complete it before class. Also, if a student needs assistance before class then I'm available to see them, other than during class time.
I feel that showing up early for class, any student that has any questions can come in and know that they can get extra assistance in any questions they have. It seems to get the class into gear and I get positive feedback from the students.
Sharon,
Thanks for sharing these observations with us. They illustrate the value of being there for the students as they arrive and get settled in.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree. It makes a student stand out.
i teach morning, afternoons or evenings depending upon the module. It is much more difficult for me to be to class earlier in the morning than the afternoon or evening (I am not a morning person). I will make a concerted effort to be early in my morning classes as i am in the afternoon/evening classes, as I am seeing the differance in my students when I am early vs on time.
I always arrive early to greet my students and show them how committed I am to teaching as well as to show them that I expect them to arrive on time as well. I believe you have to set an example for students to follow. I also answer any question students have during that and make sure everything is ready for class.
I too agree that being in class a half hour early will not only show the instructor's committment, but it is that opportunity to build relationships with your students on an individual level. It also helps me get more comfortable.
Showing up to class early is an excellent model for students. It shows them that you care about the class and want to get started right away. I enjoy talking to them one-on-one to really connect with them and help them over come any obsticles to thier education. It is a great way to build raport.
David,
All great points about the value of being early to class. Each of the items you listed help to give you the instructor a feel for the class that day. I know I really like feeling like I am "reading" where the class is coming from and if there is something going on I need to be aware of and maybe talk about.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
This will demonstrate to the students how important the class is to you. Also, if the student knows that the instructor will be arriving early for class, it gives them another opportunity to discuss any part of the program with their instructor.
Being early also will give the instuctor time to focus on the class at hand and not on other thoughts that will take energy away from the program. It takes time to focus and get your mind settled before doing anything. Getting to class early will assure that you are focused and ready to take on your class program.
I think by arriving early you show your students you are excited to be there, you want to be there, and you are ready to help them!
I also am an early bird and love being there before students arrive. This gives me an opportunity to get eveything prepared and set so when it's time for class to begin, I'm fresh and ready to go. I also enjoy greeting and talking to the students as they come in. It creates a comfortable atmosphere and gives me an opportunity to get to know my students.
William,
I think you will see reward coming from your effort. If you are there early and ready to go you can chat with the students and get some excitement going as the class comes to order.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I am by nature "an early bird" and this works well for me in my teaching. I arrive early to double check that the classroom is ready and functioning and I am there to greet students as they come in. This helps me in a number of ways .. I learn students names, get to know students, can answer questions, avert any technological problems by assuring the equipment is running, and gives me a chance to center in on the objectives for class that day.
