Brian, Credibility, trust, respect -- attributes such as these are virtues earned through the demonstration to students of their instructors willigness and ability to help them in their educational pursuits. Without preparation, it will be extemely difficult to convey with assurance and poise that an instructor has the wherewithall to assist them. It's amazing that many fail to realize our role is soley based on student needs and achievement, and less to do with deficits the instructor may possess. Barry Westling