Preperation makes, for a better day
Being perpare for class each day makes the class flow so much smoother for both you and the students, it prevents you from having to rush around and get things done just to get through the class day.
Hi Latissha:
Class preparation reflects in everything the teacher does, and students are quick to pick up on the preapared and organized teacher.
Regards, Barry
When you are prepared for lecture, it make the class go smoothly.
Hi Yesenia:
Being approachable and available , although seeminginly simple, is one of the best ways to create a teachable relationship and environment. Good for you!
Regards, Barry
I have found that making myself available either before class or during lunch allows me the opportunity to check in with my students and get a better sense of how they are feeling. It seems to break the ice and makes me seem more approachable. I also bring in materials to class for my students to use that are not provided by the school as additional learning tools which they seem to appreciate. Because I teach from a single text, I put a lot of time into researching and expanding on the material in the text to be better able to answer more difficult questions. Students expect teachers to know it all, but as we know that is not possible. All we can do is be prepared as much as possible and be humble and admit we don't know something when we are caught off guard.
Hi Sarah:
That's great! I hope your students appreciate the effort and perspective you have about being on time. It does demonstrate being a good role model, and being there for your students probably helps cultivate relationships that you develop in that "spare time" before class starts.
Regards, Barry
My students discuss the phrase "If you are on time you are late and if you are fifteen minutes early you are on time." I let them know that I am with them as soon as I get in the car on the way to work. I know it might sound strange but I drive silently to work and start to gather my thoughts and energy for the day ahead. I try to arrive at least an hour early to make sure the room is ready, as I share the room with someone else. I talk to my students how it is important to prepare...to leave all the outside distractions behind so that we can both "BE HERE NOW".
well put Trevor, i like to use a dry erase board to map out the day for our students this helps the student and myself stay on track and time. also good lecture notes on three by five cards help me touch on key lecture pointsinstead of reading out of a book
Hi Joslynn:
Yup, initially getting organized is an answer to a thousand problems. I'm gld you feel you've got a handle on it.
Regards, Barry
I also agree with you, my first few days of my teaching job I wasnt sure how to manage my preperation time so my demos were suffering as well as lecturing time. Once I made myself more organized before class things started going better in class. Demos were done on time and we actually got finished on timme with lecture!!! imagine that:)
Hi Estella:
Good thoughts shared here. I agree when students feel they're important and have individual attention they're going to do better because, as you say, it conveys confidence and an opportunity to offer encouragement, advice, or just general courtesy regarding the students learning.
Regards, Barry
Not only does the day run smoother, it makes for better use of the limited time that we share with our students, maximizing the learning and allowing for extra projects or assignments that may be included.It also gives off an impression that the instructor is competent and well prepared, meaning he/she cares about the students and about giving them the best education possible
Hi Bernie:
Great. What a wonderful way to ingage your students and infuse them with positive reinforcement. Being there is so important. You've shared a great idea for others if they have the time and classroom resources available.
Regards, Barry
In addition to being in class at least an hour early, and getting the classroom and material ready for the day, I will frequently sit with the students as they are coming in. As I engage them in an informal discussion it gives me a better feeling of what is going on in the class, and at times set the tone for the day.
Hi James:
Really, no matter how we slice it, an instructor has to be prepared to be effective. Plain and simple.
Regards, Barry
Yeah, and we don't need to give them anymore reasons to be frustrated!
Hi Stan:
Well, maybe there are a few things worse, but hardly is there any excuse for poor preparation. You're right, students are quick to pick up on poor preparation. Latent consequences can be lack of rerspect, lack of seriousness by the students, and of course, unpreparedness by students.
Regrads, Barry
Hi Trevor:
Smooth is cool. Rushed and unprepared contributes less to the instructional lesson or class period. Less frazzle, more dazzle.
Regards, Barry
I agree with you. There is nothing worse than not being prepared for a day's lesson. Not only do you as an instructor suffer, but also the students recognize your unpreparedness and possible frustration.
