Preparation
I have found that by reviewing the material thoroughly I often am more relaxed in class and can allow the lecture/discussion to develop in a free form rather than having the class move along a 'railroad' kind of metaphor. By being exceptionally well-prepared the class and I can stop and examine different areas of interest without the sense that the class is an active/passive structure - me the actor and they the passive audience.
Every course needs preparation. Without it, your thought will be disjointed or not flow, the course structure fragmented, and the students will feel as though you hadn't prepared. You can forget points. But you must be prepared if not you can give details out of sequence and confuse your students. You can forget a visual aids or handout which would have helped in your presentation.
Even though you may know the subject thoroughly, a lack of preparation will make you look as if you don't know what you talking about. Some instructor have thought they could go into a situation and just start talking. Ideas would flow spontaneously because they know the subject so well. It just doesn't happen that way.
Every course takes preparation. If you have taught the course before, it might take less preparation, but you still need to think about your next class as unique. One thing i do when i have taught the course several times, i will prepare differently this time.
I agree with being prepared, but think there is a fine line between being well prepared and being over prepared. Being overly prepared can limit flexibility needed when students have questions or get caught in discussion not originally planned for. It is also important to allow for current events or changes to be brought into the course.
I agree with your techniques. I am a very organized person and feel that you should look over all information and have a game plan when you walk into the classroom everyday. It not only keeps the work moving but the students look at how organized you are and it keeps the respect for you up.
