Manuel,
Students appreciate a "ready to go" practice by their instructor, even if they never say so.
Barry Westling
Thomas,
Right! We want to be effective role models for the real world of work, and whether anything is ever said or not, student will notice the well organized, prepared instructor.
Barry Westling
As a respect for the students and to show the stuents I (the instructor) is ready to teach.
Andrea,
Yes, and without adequate preparation, it is very unlikely that our students will receive what they need, and perhaps barriers may exist.
Barry Westling
It sets a good example to the students and gives them a level of comfort knowing that you are focused on preparing them for their future career.
Being organized and prepared makes a good impression with students, and helps you deliver the message that you are taking this seriously, and so should they. If you are not organized and prepared, you are going to end up wasting class time getting there, and it will affect your delivery by making you seem rushed and harried. These things can be distracting to students; the last thing you want is for your disorganization to become a barrier to their learning.
Karyn,
Great sentiment and perspective. Students don't always comment about well organized instructors, but I can tell you they certainly appreciate the preparation and care that goes into each lesson.
Barry Westling
Student satisfaction is paramount to me and is the reason I prepare my lectures carefully and have everything organized and ready to roll for them as soon as they settle in every day. These are people who are trying to better their lives and have paid my school a pretty penny to do it. I owe them the best possible instruction and the most pleasant learning experience I can manage to deliver.
Brian,
And good preparation can add a sense of confidence that makes the days activities run smoother, and students feel assured their instructor is knowledgeable in the topic.
Barry Westling
Organization sets a good example to your students. It also allows you to have smoother transitions during your lectures.
Avis,
Yes, and through thorough preparation, the ability to modify, change emphasis, or provide more (or less) content will be more easily facilitated by the prepared instructor.
Barry Westling
Being organized ensures positive productivity within the classroom. Being cognizant that there are many types of learners, it is Imperative that Instructors have the necessary tools to effectively deliver instruction.
Reece,
Good point, we are after all, role models, especially in the career trades. I try to determine what's most important, then, how best to deliver that content. This takes time, effort and planning.
Barry Westling
With accelerated learning especially, the amount of information needed to be reviewed is often "squeezed" into lecture. To show organizational skills and to come to class preparred helps the instuctor navigate the material so students receive the content that carries more weight than others. In learning by example, you set a precidence for your students to follow. I am coming prepared, therefore you come prepared.
Jonathon,
Yes -- there's just such a smoother flow when the instructor feels (and is) prepared. Students will notice too.
Barry Westling
Being organized and prepared shows your students you are capable of teaching your class. It also helps the time that you are teaching to go smoother. If you have time, review your power-point or notes, and check your classroom supplies, make sure you have seating for everyone, and supplies.
Judy,
As to age, I have found that older students need clear, organized class materials and assignments, as most of them have had life and work experiences that had similar expectations.Regardless of age, good planning and organization provides the order and structure that most students need, and responsible instructors will be diligent to provide it.
Barry Westling
Salma,
One implied thought from your post is interesting, and that is student satisfaction. Many students have personal issues (sometimes major issues) that compete for their time, attention and focus.I believe a well organized class with measurable outcomes provides a respite from the chaos in their lives, and contributes immensely to the much needed sense of accomplishment and achievement.
Barry Westling
Organization and proper planning are the definitions of a good teacher. No matter the age of the student a teacher must prepare to show meaning to the lesson.
As I have been teaching ground and online for some time now, I would say that being organized and prepared for each class sets the tone for successful and goal oriented teaching. The class remains informative, interactive and interesting if the instructor knows what he/she is teaching, what is entailed in the respective course and the whole syllabus can be followed systematically. The students remain focused and remain satisfied with a sense of accomplishment and confidence in the instructor if they find the material properly organized and delivered in proper structured format- one of the key to successful teaching.
