Arrive EARLY!
I arrive an hour before class so I can get some coffee, sit down and go over what I will be doing with my class. I try to think of a good (clean) joke to get them to wake up. I go over attendance and grades before class starts.
I tell my students that "If your not 15 minutes early your late" Vince Lombardi
Joseph,
I think this is a great way to open a class also by making the ice breaker relevant to your work experience you set the stage for content that is going to follow plus you reinforce the value of what you are teaching.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I totally agree with arriving early and being ready to hit the ground running with class. Using a good 'icebreaker' to start each class session is a key for me. Since I have my regular job during the day, I try to always have an 'icebreaker' from my work experience that is relevant to the materials to be covered in class. I also plan to stay after class, if possible, to answer any questions not clearly covered in class.
Desiree,
I have found the same thing. For most instructors this is true in that they can get settled in and "read" the climate of the class. Knowing the mood of the class gives instructors an idea of how to start the class and get them engaged from the very beginning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I notice when I arrive early it gives me time to really settle my own thoughts of the day. It gives me time to get paperwork organized before class begins. That way when class does begin, I'm ready to go and not fumbling around looking for material or paperwork. The students having to wait for me doesn't really set a good tone. I've done this in the past. I get flustered and they get impatient.
Dr. Manuel,
This is my policy as well. It is important to make sure everything is ready to go so you can concentrate on greeting students and getting them settled into the class that day.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I arrive early so that any issues (equipment, room temperature, etc) can be corrected before class. It also gives me an opportunity to answer questions for students coming early as well as mentally preparing myself for the class.
Cynthia,
Things like this can really take you out of your game for the day. So a early arrival lets you know what you are facing and if any last minute changes need to be made.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
i like this idea. the worse thing is starting class and realizing the things yo need are not in the class room. sometimes things get borrowed and never brought back.
Anthony,
This is a tough situation. I have taught in such settings and I never felt like I had enough time to get settled in when I had to rush in to a classroom that had just been used and try to set up my room arrangement, media and lay out my materials. I did it but I always felt rushed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is great except where you share a classroom and begin teaching in the afternoon. More often than not other instructors are not finishing on time so my class and I have to wait out in the hall.
Heather,
It is a simple thing really but it pays off in many ways. Being there early helps you get settled and the students to get to know you better. I have found that by being early and chatting with the students I can often answer a simple question individually that might take a lot of class time otherwise so it is efficient as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I found the suggestions made by Thomas DeLong in the Harvard video titled, "Getting to Class Early", very valuable and insightful. My focus when arriving early was primarily on MY needs but I see the additional benefit of meeting/greeting students, talking with them and getting a sense of the 'spirit and heart of the people'. That change in perspective can create a more relaxed, welcoming and nurturing environment setting a positive tone for the evening's instruction. Balance seems to the key here and I'm looking forward to incorporating this new approach as I'm preparing myself for the class.
Carol,
It will pay off over and over again. Once you become used to do this it will become a habit that helps you greatly in your professional development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Looking at all these post make me feel confident to come in early to prep before class. I hope to make a habit. I am a new instructor, so making a habit of arriving early should be easy.
Debbie,
My method as well for the reasons you state. Thanks for reinforcing the value of being early.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I wholeheartedly agree that arriving early provides me relief and security that I have time to review and make short term goals of what I want to present that day.
Dennis,
I agree. When I rush into a meeting or class I don't feel that I am in control of the situation and that I am in a position of playing catch up. I don't like that feeling at all. Being early and prepared lets me enjoy being a teacher.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Arriving early can not only be therapeutic for the instructor but can benefit the student as well. For me, waiting until the last minute or arriving late can create an environment that is not conducive to personal success.
John,
I like to be early as well. I can take a deep breath, get settled in and be ready to greet the students. This sets the tone for a good class to come.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
