Hi Sandy:
I agree student expect their teacher to know their subject well. But even good teachers who don't plan well, are not prepared, appear busy and disorganized will send the wrong message to their students.
It pays to plan time in preparation. That class that runs seamlessly from topic to topic, all resources aligned, teaching aids, ready - that demonstrates readiness, and students admire and appreciate their teachers that take the time to prepare.
Regards, Barry
Hi Michael:
True, we lead by example. If the students see us prepared, they may be more inclined to follow suit.
Regards, Barry
It shows students that you are there to teach them what they need to learn.
Hi David:
Great! Your "learn by example" method tells students more about expectatations than many lessons about it could do.
Regards, Barry
I think that it is inportant to BE organized so that the students follow by example.
I work at a career college and our whole purpose is to teach not only content but professionalism. The instructor is the model for those ideas. So, I need to come prepared focused and engaged for my classes each day. Does this mean lots of behind the scenes preparation? You bet! But, I not only want to do my best for my job, I want my students to see what they need to do in the workforce as well.
Hi Tanya:
You've identified one of the biggest benefits to the teacher by being preapred - it saves precious time. Time that could be used better for students instruction, grading, advising, preparing - whatever.
Students appreciate preapared teacher, as it conveys both the confidence and competence the teacher posseses. And having a smooth running class creates a lesser stress learning environment for all.
Regards, Barry
Being an organized instructor allows the students to have outlined expectations for the class. It also creates less work for the instructor by being organized for the quarter.
Hi Rochelle:
We owe our students the courtesy of our full attention, preparation, and instructional focus each and every time we meet. Students do notice when the teacher is not prepared, and that's awful. But they appreciate when class flows smoothly and seamlessly from topic to topic, with all resources and materials required set up and ready to go.
Regards, Barry
so you are prepared for class students know when you have not reviewed for the material being taught for the day this is very important
Hi Rennie:
I have to agree with all of your comments.
A lot of our forum posts speak about role models, with some suggesting it as as something forced, to ensure that it happens, or regarded as something special. While I agree with ese sentiments, I believe as educators, we have a responsibility to become this as way of professional life, where we're constantly demomstrating these important traits without even thinking about "trying to be a certain way".
I think that thought merges with your comment about subsequent classes. Yes, I suppose you could say we're role models, but professional educators don't need a sub-category heading. It would like saying someone is a professional chef, therefore "he needs to be a good cook every day".
Having natural, honest, sincere, courteous, patient, helpful, and instructive interactions with students work to dfine us, and our expert knowledge will provide the skills the student needs.
Regards, Barry
Organization and preparation are key elements of non-verbal communication with students. While the first class is important in establishing guidelines, expectations, and defining the path of the class, every subsequent class meeting is equally essential as they provide the opportunity to DEMONSTRATE and fulfill those expectations.
The instructor is the model for the class and students take their cues from the instructor. If the instructor expects careful and deliberate thought/output, then the instructor must exhibit the same. For instance, if the instructor is careless in developing class materials and has mis-spellings, grammar, and/or content errors, students will feel that they may also include the same errors in their own work.
Students may also lose respect for their instructor and will not take the course, content, or instructor seriously. Additionally, the students are paying for a service - the development of skill sets from an "educated" individual.
Poor planning and implementation reflects poorly on the institution as well as on all instructors as "educational" institutions and "educated" individuals.
Julie:
Setting the tone, especially on the first day, can create the environment the teacher wants and the students should expect right from the get-go.
I think it true if the teacher isn't prepared, how can we can expect the student to be so? A well planned first day (or any day, really) creates a model of expectations, with all needed resources ready, and each activity seamlessly moving from part to part.
Students will appreciate the time and effort the teacher puts into class preparation and amy induce them to reciprocate in kind.
Regards, Barry
Being organized and prepared sends a professionalism message to your students. As an instructor, you have a passion for teaching and want to present an effective learning environment for your students. The teaching experience is positive for the instructor and the student. A student's impression of her/his instructor is important - and being organized and prepared shows the student that the instructor values her/his position and cares about the student - a prepared and organized instructor is more apt to find that her/his students will also be prepared and organized - s/he sets the example for others to follow.
Hi Elizabeth:
I'm a big believer in expectations. I think most people generally want to do the best they can (please excuse the occassional slackers) if they are given the opportunity and resources, along with patient instructions and the learning environment that facilitates their success.
So, conveying expecatation is very important to me in terms of demonstrating preparation. It takes time, effort, and planning to produce a well run, smooth classroom experience. Students notice when that's not the case - and when it is!
Regards, Barry
Hi Elizabeth:
I agree. When students begin to appear on the first day of a new class, first impression can make a big difference. So when they see the instructor is present, waiting and prepared when class begins with a thorough plan for the day, resources gathered and ready to go, along with an enthusiastic attitude, that's going to convey important expectations for how the class is going to be conducted.
Also, being approachable, friendly and patient, tolerent, and willing to offer encouragement and support at the outset, these traits state the teacher cares about their students and their success in the class.
Regards, Barry
I agree with what you said also and to go over the syllabus so everyone knows exactly what is expected and no surprises at the end of the class.
The first day of class I make name cards for the class and have all the paperwork for them ready to go. For me it send a first impression about who you are as an instructor and let's the student know that you are here to teach them. Mutual respect for both parties. It will also send a message of being ready and prepared which is expected from you in the classroom. Actions speak louder than words.
Hi Mike:
I have to agree that we demonstrate to our students how professionalism is manefested a little bit each day. By the end of the course, student observers will have learned better ways of presenting themselves.
Good classes just don't happne by accident - it takes time, effort, prepartion, and thoughtful planning. I think students recognize when a teacher has put in that time. "My teacher cares" is likely to be felt by students when they witness a class that really is together, runs smoothly, and all the resources are readily at hand.
Regards, Barry
Hi Frank:
Yes, it's important to lay out the expectations froim the start. And whn students realize their teacher has got it togeter, they will be more likely to demonstrate respect, courtesy, and perhaps, be more motivated to try harder because they see their teacher has done something similar. Good ones or bad ones, we are role models.
Regards, Barry
