Arriving early to class
Goal orientation has to be an objective of all instructors/professors if they want to succeed. Arriving early for proper preparation is absolutely essential for topic delivery of the day. Review, define objectives, and delivery of said objectives is imperitive. A student may be tested periodically, the instructor/professor is tested EVERY DAY. Utilization of extra time before class can also be used to tutor a student who may be struggling with a certain precept. I, as an instructor have not failed if I have extended every learning tool that I may have to the students.
Pandora,
Pre-class time is one of my favorite opportunities to interact with my students and catch up on some of the things that are going on in their lives. We visit, share information and develop respect for each other during these times.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By arriving early I find the casualness of pre-class time helps set the tone for the start of class. The contrast of relaxed and then "ok- time for learning" brings everyone up to speed and increases their focus on the days lesson.
Vaughan,
Yes, it will. Arriving early gives you chance to get settled in, read the mood of the class and learn more about your students. All of the elements contribute to more effective teaching.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
As a new instructor , I think arriving early will let me get to talk to the students one on one before I have to address the whole class for the first time.
I agree, by being the role model, this will instill good habits that will be carried on in the workplace. Arriving early sts a great example!
Diane Frickey
Elizabeth,
Arriving early is a simple thing but has great outcomes. A number of which you mention. I know by being in class a few minutes early I have a chance to chat with the students, "read" their attitudes for that day, and get settled in. Once these three things are done I am ready to go when it is time to start class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I believe that arriving early serves many purposes. It allows for me to have time to adapt to sudden changes, be available for the students to ask questions especially if there is an exam or competecy that day,to greet the students and find out how they are doing in class (feedback), and allows me to start right on time with little to no delays. All of the above are important for me and the students. Arriving early provides feedback, time, and is important for the students to know I care enough to not be late.
Arriving early to class will help you get motivated for the day with the students and also show them that you care if they have any questions about anything before class starts. Also that shows them that being early is what the workforce is looking for in people out there. I know I am always at work early if there are any students that need help with learning their skills and that shows them that you care about them and want them to succeed.
I've always found it necessary to arrive early because it helps me to get organized. I'm able to write things on the board or to get a projector set up.
Rheashaun,
At times they need someone to listen so they can talk and share and then move on with their learning. You are serving in that role for them and this helps to keep them engaged.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Being there to greet the students at the beginning can really set the tone for the day if one or more of the students are having bad days. Sometimes a simple "Hello, how are you" can have a big impact.
I agree with you on connecting with the students. It's sometimes hard to establish any type of connection with students when you are always surrounded. I have a connection with some of my students to the point where we have group discussions sometimes about topics other than what's on the lesson plan for the day. Somethings I end up telling myself " are you sure you want to know all of this", Lol:) but in a sense, I'm glad my students trust me enough to be to talk to me about anything, and ask for my oppinion. However, we still manage to get our lesson done. I feel it helps the student get whatever it is off of their mind so they can focus on school.
I completely agree. Often the question that may be asked during this time by a single student is something that needs to be further explained to the class as a whole, so it gives you the opportunity to figure out how to add it to your lesson plan for the day.
Travis,
Good points about the reasons for arriving early. We do need this extra time to get settled in and prepare our minds as well as the environment to be ready to teach.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Arriving to class early allows time for you to check the operation of computers and media aids when necessary, as well as allowing yourself to calm down after your commute. We know some of them can be brutal.
I agree, some students may have trouble asking questions in front of class and this ives them some one on one time with you if needed.
Christopher,
I do the same and can really get a feel for where the class is for that class meeting as a result of being their and chatting with them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I arrive early to class because it relaxes me then I have a much better connection with the group for the day. It also gives me a chance to chat with the early arriving students as well.
I absolutely agree and I think it helps to model professionalism to the students.
