preparing yourself for the classroom
I feel it is important to get handouts & all other copied materials done early because it shows to students that you are organized and ready for them.
Hi Loida:
Good example f planning and a good reason to have a plan! Well prepared teachers pout thought, effort, and planning into theur lessons - and these efforts will play out favorably for the students. Without this time, the classes will not go smoothly and students will begin to see the deficiency created by an unprepared teacher.
Regards, Barry
I always make a habit of preparing my lesson plan ahead to show students that you are organized and well prepared and they do the same. I also have extra activities ready in case I finished my lecture early. Also, just in case I got sick and a substitute instructor will take over and he or she knows exactly what to do that day.
Hi Elizabeth:
You're doing well preparing a week in advance. The opportunity to modify is greater, and you've allowed yourself plenty of time to make adjustments.
Preparation just means the teacher has spent time, thought, and put some planning into the lessons, topics and subjects. Students will see the class is organized and the teacher ready to deliver, even give inevitable interruptions or extensive student questions. Good teachers can make that seem as though it were all part of the plan from the start.
Regards, Barry
I feel being prepared makes me more confident in the classroom and more productive for the student. I usually do prepare my material a week in advance for my next scheduled class.
Hi Al:
I like classes like you describe. Students feel they can ask questions with thinking they're interrupting or interferring with the teacher as the busy themselves for class. An a relaxed teacher creates a relaxed environment, which is always better that one filled with anxious, rushed students, teachers, and lessons!
Regards, Barry
I always show up early to make sure my classroom is prepared for the day, which includes having time to copy & prepare any handouts or tests for the day as well as prepare the white board for the day so the students know immediately what we will be covering in class for the day. It shows you are organized, passionate and that you respect the students enough to be prepared to start on time.
Hi Marie:
I think having a weeks's worth of material ahead of time is not unrealistic at at. The fact that we all work based on priorities has shortened this to a day or two ahead. Plan-B is a great idea!
Regards, Barry
Hi Toufik:
Yes, this is one kind of preparation. Other ways include having a thorough lesson ready, a realistic game plan for the day or class, and assuring any needed media recources are available.
Also, our delivery is important. We want to convey a confidence that we're capable of teahing them, and we demonstrate that by displaying competence in our knowledge throgh education, experience, and training.
Be natural, be patient, be supportive. Students begin to feel the teacher is in control, prepared, and ready to provide a solid lesson.
Regards, Barry
Having your whole week's handouts, lectures, discussion topics and exercises ready before the whole week has even started helps because it automatically gives you a Plan B if you need more activites to give your students. If you are running behind, you can also look ahead to tomorrow's assignments and make changes to the next day too.
