Frank,
Good point! Must have's from both the student and instructors perspective. I've students will tolerate less than fully prepared every once in a great while, but if it's a repeating pattern, awful, non-productive results are likely. And lost ground in this category are irreplaceable, often leading to lack of trust and respect.
Barry Westling
After spending months developing a course down to the last detail where every day has organized files, printed material and graphic presentations for the technical students, I was transferred to another class. I watched a less organized instructor take a class from efficient to deficient in less that two months.
The frustration level of the new instructor is obvious when observing the classroom. Twice the energy necessary to operate the class and lab is required because he has lost control of the organization and planning that went into developing the original structure.
Organizational skills are not "nice to have", they are "must have" skills.
Loren,
So true. This poses a challenge to keep classes interesting and students engaged, because what would be easier for the instructor (time wise) is not always the best path for student learning.
Barry Westling
Laurna,
Yes, the students perspective about the instructors willingness to assist through their preparation for class is very important. Trust, respect and morale are tied into this instructor discipline.
Barry Westling
Most courses are chocked full of material that must be covered to satisfy the syllabus and to meet accreditation requirements. Our courses contain little optional fluff. Therefore, to get through the material, you have to be organized and prepared or the student will suffer from segments not being covered sufficiently and your inadequacy will be evident.
Being organized and prepared for class sets the tone for the course and sets an example for the students. Preparation and organization in the field is critical for graduate success. It also sends the message to the students (just like employees) that their time and learning are important to you.
Sandra,
Good planning and organization really creates an ideal learning environment. Students appreciate the time and effort their instructor puts in to make for meaningful lessons, and it's true, that helps build trust and respect.
Barry Westling
It is important for an instructor to be organized and prepared for each class because it sets the tone for the class, it shows the students that the instructor has self respect and respect for them.
Jeff,
Some instructors think they can just waltz in and wing it. They probably can fill the time space, but the quality of what they have to offer will by necessity be weak. If this pattern persists, student morale, respect and trust are all likely to diminish.
Barry Westling
Students are paying good money and want an instructor who is prepared to teach. It is good to have a plan B and C especially when teaching longer courses
Larissa,
Students learn to expect routines, organization, and scheduled events. Both instructor and students benefit by knowing what is planned, what's next, and what to look for during the class day. This helps keep everyone on track, and minimizes misunderstandings and facilitates improved communications.
Barry Westling
Personally, it reduces the stress and pressure of teaching/provides down time. But, I also find that students generally learn to come into class prepared, ready to learn and bodes well for classroom management and classroom rapport. Great question!!!
Susanne,
All true sentiments. As instructors, our responsibility to our students is to adequately and accurately convey and transfer knowledge we possess and students need to learn. Our preparation has to be at least at the level commensurate with our expectations for student preparation and participation.
Barry Westling
Hi Barry,
It is important because you need a plan and goal for each class. Not only are you the subject matter expert but your role is to make sure that the concepts are covered and understood. In my experience, you need organization to lead a classroom. If you do not have this then disruption will appear.
Susanne
Hi Barry,
This is imperative. The instructor is the subject matter expert and needs to have a plan for each class. If not, learning concepts will be missed and a general sense of confusion and disorganization will linger in the classroom. In my teaching, instruction is a building block and without plan, how do you achieve that goal? Each concept prepares you for the next concept that will be discussed.
Susanne
Eric,
Students appreciate it when clear and organized instructions are given, and this occurs with planning by the instructor.
Barry Westling
Diana,
In honor of Maya Angelou, I'll quote her by saying "it's not what we say, or what we do, but how we make others feel". Nonetheless, a prepared instructor sets the tone and class goes much smoother and puts students at ease, because the instructor is at ease.
Barry Westling
I agree also it shows a path and what the student can expect to learn.
By being organized and prepared you create an environment that not only is respectful to the students, but allows you as an instructor the freedom and flexibility that a NON-organized teacher might not have. As I teach, the focus should be on the students and the transfer of knowledge and understanding, not whether my test was prepared and I have enough to hand out.
Daniel,
Students can be forgiving if most times there is good planning, organization, and preparation. It comes down to whether or not students feel they are getting their money's worth.
Barry Westling
