Showing Up Early
This is a tactic that the director of my department has already suggested. After struggling with the idea of waking up another half hour early, I am going to start applying this strategy. I have been noticing that it takes me some time to get the class "up and running". Maybe if I was there early I could better set the stage and we could hit the ground running when the class starts.
Chris,
I have the same approach to my life. I want to be early so I can get settled in for whatever situation I am gong into. Early arrival to a class gives the benefits you list and set the tone for the upcoming session in a positive way. Good points.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Showing up early has many benefits, the most important is that you show your students that you are prepared and ready to great them. You are demonstrating the importance of punctuality. Finally your student will anticipate your early arrival and you set the standard that tardiness is not acceptable in the work force!
I am naturally an early bird,I dislike being late so much that it will ruin the rest of my day if I am late. This is deep seated in my personal action, however I have seen positive effects of being in class early with the students, it provides the student time to speak with the teacher in an off the record environment. Sometimes giving the teacher the chance to better understand situations that could better there ability to teach the class.
Thanks,
Chris fersch
Sandy,
I agree as well. I like to be there early to greet the students and get a feel for the class that session. As a result I can target my instruction more accurately based upon their mood. For example, a number of students got parking tickets as a result of parking where there had not been city enforcement previously. They came in angry and hot about how unfair the tickets were. By being their I could listen to them vent and then help them get settled into the class for the day. Tickets didn't go away but I could at least help them feel a little better.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I feel that showing up early allows me to be organized and prepared for my class. It is easier to present a lesson calmly than to present one when I feel rushed.
I agree as well. Showing up early will give a good example to the student. Being there before the class starts will give you time to talk to students, give them extra help if needed, and answer any of their questions that they might have.
Stacy,
So do I. I like to chat a little with the students before class starts. This way I can get a feel for the mood of the class that day.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I think showing up early is crucial. I dont ever want to appear unorganized and rushed in front of the students. I like to present a positive and well-planned image.
Susan,
An investment of a little time really pays off. You are sending a signal to your students that you care about them and their success. This in return helps in the development of rapport with them and creates a positive environment for learning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree. I find the only way I can get to know the students as individuals is if I take the time before class to speak to them.
Ted,
Thank you for sharing this example of how to interact with students in a way that lays the groundwork for the development of rapport. Their bantering and teasing with you helps them to get to know you as a person while seeing that you have outside interests the same as them. (Sometimes I think they forget we exist outside of the classroom). As you can see and did mention a few minutes of time invested in this way really helps to set the stage for a positive class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Nicole,
I like to be early as well. By being early I can chat with the students as they come in and get a "read" on the class for that day. This "read" helps me to target my instruction more accurately.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree...sack time is HARD to give up...especially on these chilly (I shall say winter although the calandar does not agree) mornings.
That being typed,getting there early and going to the classroom and not the faculty room, allows me to interact with the students.
For example:
I am a BIG KENTUCKY fan living in louisville (no typo there). After a loss to the local University, students are ready to tease me about the game. KENTUCKY does not lose we just run out of time. Being early opens me up for this teasing BUT I am a big guy and no harm no foul.
Some students that I find out later ARE KENTUCKY fans, will jump on the local bandwagon just to see which way I'll jump. There are a few who take this too far BUT the majority of the students like the banter and start off the day smiling.
I agree, proper time management is a key factor to good classroom management skills. I always try to get to the classroom early in order to both set up for my lesson (write the objectives, assignments, etc. on the board), as well as take some time to chat with students. This gives me an opportunity to get feedback on the previous lesson or homework assignment.
As well as arriving early, you must begin with an activity (short quiz, fun writing assignment) for the students while you maybe get prepared. Have a contingency assingment ready.
Showing up early and preparing for the day is difintely a great thing to be in the habit of doing. Time talking with students before class sets a good example as well.
I beleive showing up ealry is extremely important. When you are the first one in the class you can set the tone right at the beginning. You can quietly acknowledge each student as they walk in, and let them know that you know that they are there. I beleive being the first one there lets the students know that I the instructor can't wait for the lesson to begin.
DONNA,
How do you interact with your students?
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I do believe in arriving early as it allows you to setup the class prior to the students arriving. Most importantly it gives you the opportunity to double check the classroom to assure that everything is functioning properly.
