Jamie,
Lost or wasted class time is not good for anyone. I like to arrive before students, have copies, handouts, or instructional aids organized for passing out. If PPT is to be used, I want to test the computer, projector, and a quick run through of the slides. As students begin to arrive, I like to feel free to chat with students, answer questions -- sort of "just be there" for relating and establishing positive communications.
Barry Westling
It is important to be prepared to teach in order to set a good example for our students. We want them to be prepared for class. Thus we can not expect them to be prepared if we are not. It also helps with time management to have everything ready to go. You lose out on precious time if you are preparing during class time.
ROBIN,
Yeah, students notice when there has been (or has not been) good preparation. It can create an environment of trust and confidence, and can contribute to high morale too.
Barry Westling
It is important to be organized and ready to go because it demonstrates that you have taken the time to prep for the course. I have had students comment that the teachers do as much work as the students do to prepare for class. That demonstrated to me a sense of respect.
Syed,
Yes, students look to us for guidance, direction, and order. It is difficult to create that environment without appropriate preparation.
Barry Westling
Jacob ,
Even if students don't follow our lead, we owe our full ability and talent to our profession and employers.
Barry Westling
Erin,
Yes, we earn respect, and at one level, preparation creates that.
Barry Westling
Leland,
Students know when their instructor is less than fully prepared. Not good for morale.
Barry Westling
Rita,
Good plan, and likely to result in good outcomes.
Barry Westling
Very plainly speaking, it reflects upon your personality. An instructor is synonymous to a shepherd or guide who is going to steer away the students towards the achievement of their goals of understanding the subject matter that they have come to attend the class. If an instructor is disorganized or unprepared he/she will never be able to gain that recognition in the eyes of the students as someone who is capable of providing that guidance or leadership.
As the instructor, you are responsible for setting the example of what is expected from your students. If you are disorganized you can exspect your students to follow your example.
I find the quickest way to lose the students trust is to be disorganized and being unprepared. I believe being organized and prepared is an integral part of being a effective educator.
Modeling behavior to students. Being prepared in a timely manner, anticipate my needs prior to class.
You are a model for the students and represent your institution. If you are unprepared and unorganized students will think it is acceptable for them to do so as well. Once these students hit the job market they will not be good representations of your school.
Eric ,
Yeah, it's rare that any instructor could expect to just waltz in to class with little or no preparation and expect any significant outcomes. Successful classes are preceded by thought, planning, and gathering resources.
Barry Westling
Being organized shows the student you are prepared and ready to teach. In addition, there is an element of respect, you respect their learning time and quality of learning experience.
The simple answer is students deserve the best. The better the preparation, the better the scenes will be laid out for the students to be successful.
Gayle,
We can and should be prepared for every class session. Students want and expect their instructors to be ready.
Barry Westling
I think being organized and prepared sets an example for students. If students see the instructor organized hopefully this habit will transfer onto the students as they graduate and enter their career. This behavior will then reflect during the job seeking and eventually into the student's employment
John,
Yes, students look to their instructors for guidance and expect competent instruction. As knowledgeable as one might be, appearing unprepared can diminish the perspective the students have for their instructor.
Barry Westling
