Get Your Students Hired
Krista,
Great. Also, student outcomes are likely to be better as well.
Barry Westling
The students I teach are adult students and are paying a lot in tuition each year. I need to be prepared and organized for EACH and EVERY class because they deserve that. I also want to be taken seriously as an instructor and respected. If I respect the students and their time, they will most-likely return the favor.
Charlotte,
Right, and serious students will not only appreciate this level of [preparation but also come to respect and trust their instructor for the effort.
Barry Westling
I feel it's important, because the instructor is ready for class and the students are able to walk into the class and get the material needed to start the work, or have the material in front of them when it's time for the lecture. I arrived 30 mins early to work each day, to prepare my class. I have notes on the board and any handouts ready prior to classtime.
Cenek,
Plan B is sometimes the best plan. I've created back ups that I substituted intentionally, and it was a terrific success.
Barry Westling
It is important to be organized and ready to teach and have a plan "B" in the back packet.
Rasiel,
I agree. When students sense their instructor is sincerely interested in their success, and provides instruction with passion and interest in assuring that effective learning outcomes are being met, that adds to better morale, respect, and trust -- all positive contributions to successful classroom experiences.
Barry Westling
Be well prepared and organized for a class in self-respect and respect for students is to demonstrate that the instructor has a desire to teach and having a plan to do so.
Josh,
You're right that even with the instructor doing all their best in terms of readiness, there seems like there are some that just don't seem to be able to get with the program. I think, in part, therein lies both the problem and a possible solution. Disinterested, why? Distracted, why? Confused or lost, why? In other words, each observable factor requires a discussion to first learn what might be going on in the backside of their life, determine if they understand the expectations (sometimes students are not aware they are lacking), and provide guidance towards improvement. Part of our job is being willing to spend the time needed to focus on these challenges.
Barry Westling
If you don't care enough to be organized to teach, than students see this. Just like watching a well crafted movie versus some garbage thrown together. The experience of these two movies is very different one is engaging and the other is quickly turned off.
If your upset that your students don't care, pointing the finger at them is counterproductive. Taking ownership and responsibility for your work is the only way to get over these hurdles. However, even if you are the most organized and engaging student there can always be someone who just doesn't care. I curious to know some actions a instructor can take to reach out to these students?
ROBBIN,
Right. The student response (and their expectation) demonstrates they appreciate well organized, prepared instructors, ready for each class session.
Barry Westling
Organization shows the students that this course is important to you and that you spent time preparing to lecture on the subject. The instructor is a role model for the class. I expect them to be prepared for class therefore i also should be organized and prepared.
Abayomi,
I agree. I like to arrive in class before students do so that I can do needed classroom setup left from the prior instructor, such clean the white board, reposition desks or tables and chairs, lay out my handouts, etc.
Barry Westling
Classroom teaching is not simply an intellectual activity, nevertheless an interpersonal and emotional experience that needs collaboration and trust. To develop and reinforce an efficient class learning environment, instructors should arrive early to the classroom before every sitting, at minimal ten minutes preceding to the scheduled start of class. I am always in an hour early. This practice helps support the instructor's development from planning to execution, improves the instructor's relationship with students, and gives adequate time to prepare the physical environment of the classroom.
Peter,
You're right, confidence in the instructor is inhanced by being organized in order to provide optimal learning experiences. And students just do better when their confidence in their instructor is high.
Barry Westling
James,
Yes, I like to think I'm a facilitator of instruction, and my effectiveness is diminished if I'm having to spend the students time with my readiness.
Barry Westling
not being prepared breeds stress in the learning environment that creates a snowball effect starting with the instructor and effecting the students. Being organized sends a non verbal message that says "I know what I am doing". Keeping paperwork, tools or materials neat and organized are good signs of a professional and sets an example for the learners to emulate.
Organization and preparation allow for seamless integration of content into each class session. Great organization creates a more confident and enthusiastic delivery from the instructor and by maxinmizing class time, creates opportunities for the instructor to create more personable moments.
Jeff,
These are true and proven with many past experiences of successful and less so instructors. Besides, although pay is often not the primary factor, we are being paid to be our best, prepared, and ready for each class and instructional session.
Barry Westling
It is important for instructors to organize and prepare for each class for one reason. The students deserve nothing less than a prepared instructor! While this should go without saying many instructors just go into a class and wing it. You will find that students will emulate the behavior of the instructor. If you don't put value in the quality of class, neither will your students.