Hi Martha,
You are right about students knowing when an instructor is not prepared. What have you found to be the most helpful to you as you do your instructional planning?
Gary
Students know when an instructor is unprepared.
Planning and preparing class with time makes the student feel they have a competent and knowledgeable instructor.
As Instructors, we wish to include as much information as we have available, in order to fully explain the concepts to our students. First of all, early planning enables Instructors to plan the course content in a relaxed manner, using clear-headed judgement on what to include, and how to incorporate it into instruction and discussion. Secondly, the planning needs to be comprehensive in order to fully contain all the necessary components of the topic. You do not want to leave out any pertinent information, in order to give the students the most comprehensive instruction possible. The flip-side would be hurried and haphazard planning, which would be disastrous.
I have that same thought wen I have prepared my lesson I'm way more comfortable. I taught a class when I wasn't prepared and it showed
I always have felt that the more you plan out and research your information and topics for the day, the more comfortable you are. I always get the sense that students somehow know if you are uneasy about a particular topic, and will sometimes ask even more in-depth questions than usual to try and test your knowledge. If I plan ahead, or do my homework so to speak, this situation is pretty easily avoided. However, sometimes it's impossible to know the answer to every question asked, and it seems to that admitting you don't know also shows your students that you are only human.
Hi Sharon,
Good point. Planning is the foundation from which good teaching comes. By being preparation you are able to relax and enjoy teaching even more because you know you can handle the content as well as the discussion of the subject that day.
Gary
Early and comprehensive planning is essential and critical for instructional success because this translates into a well prepared instructor who delivers crucial information to students. An instructor must be prepared for questions and inquiries from curious students. No instructor has all the answers, but students are astute in recognizing a mediocre lesson/lecture in addition to a teacher who is nervous and ill at ease because they haven't done their "homework" (preparation)!
Early and comprehensive planning are important because they best prepare you for a positive outcome for your students. Allowing plenty of time for preparation allows for corrections and improvements.
Hi Luke,
Students are a reflection of their instructors. Your points are well made in relation to how our students are going to succeed when they complete their training.
Gary
It sets the tone for the class. It's the old practice what you preach. If your unorganized it shows your students its OK and also discredits the instructor. On the other hand if your organized and professional you course will go allot smoother evan if you have unexpected issues come up. Your students are like your children they will model you and are a reflection of what you are and how you present your self.
