"Clean" Structure...
Adult students need stability, structure and a "clean" learning environment. I do not refer to "clean" as necessarily a lack of dirt or mess in the physical classroom, what I mean is that they need everything they do during that class time to be crisp and consistent. Adult students appreciate the instructor if they do not waste time, breaks are held consistently and learning takes place. The best instructors are the most organized and the most detailed about how each day is broken down for the students, especially in longer classes. I have found over the years that you will have much fewer complaints with "clean" instructors. If a students feels they are with someone who is in control, is well prepared and provides this type of learning environment, they will respect and appreciate the instructor's efforts to teach and share information.
Hi Sarah:
I think students appreciate a teacher who is thorough and introducing a new topic or transititioning from one category to another is probably not veiwed by most students as unprepared or sloopy. Like a flight change connection, getting from point a to point b may take a couple of stop overs.
Regards, Barry
I agree with this approach completely. I try to implement this philosophy as much as possible. My only challenge is when switching to a new subject or when updating content. I am always a bit afraid that I will miss a key point or that a student will have that one question I cannot have an immediate answer for.
Hi Vince:
Good point. Clutter can create a sense of confusion. And if the clutter is so disorganized the teacher has to shuffle through papers and materials to find needeed resources to give to or use with students, that will appear unprepared, which could lead to students lowering their confidence in the teachers abilities - whether thats true or not!
Regards, Barry
I once was told by a 4th grade teacher that "a messy desk is a messy mind". This stuck with me as a young student and have carried this into my adult years.
Whenever possible, I try to arrive early and unclutter the room so my mind and the flow of the lesson plan will run much more smooth.
Hi Christopher:
I agree. When students feel their instructor "has it all together", they're going to feel more confident in the instruction they receive.
Regards, Barry
