Being organized communicates/models professionalism to the students. It shows that you respect the students' time, and in turn they will respect you.
Being organized and prepared also keeps you from "stumbling" as an instructor... you do a better job
Hi Wendell:
Students expect their instructor to be ready for class, to provide clear directions, to command the class, not with with an iron fist but from a perspective of conveying expectations and holding students accountable for them. These traits, along with solid prepared and organized lessons should provide enough time to deliver the lesson, handle questions, and provide time for individual atrtention where needed.
Regards, Barry
It sets the tone for the class and the culture of the school. It is also easier to hold the students accountable to being prepared for class if the instructor is prepared. The instructor can lead by example, giving the students a model not only for in the classroom but also in their respected fields.
Hi Tony:
Also, I think students expect us to be prepared and to guide them in giving direction, advice, instruction, encouragement and support. Newer teachers often feel they don't want to be too bossy. But I feel students may not want bossy teachers, but they do want organized and prepared teachers who can, and are willing to assist then be successful in their class.
Regards, Barry
Being prepared for each class increases your confendence level. The students will also feel like you care enough about them to have taken the time to be ready. Preparedness also makes you the subject expert.
I have found many students rush into class unorganized. If they see I am organized and ready to start it seems to have a calming affect in starting the class.
Hi Tom:
"Smooth and seamless", "comfortable and natural", and confident and patient". These traits are among the results of a prepared teacher. How nice to produce this kind of environment.
Regards, Barry
Hi Theresa:
I like your commentary about like/dislike and respect. We owe our students a well prepared class lesson, whether they like the topic or not. But they can recognize that effort went into that preparation, anf thus feel their teacher cares and is serious about teaching.
Regards, Barry
We model behavior for our students. So, if we are not organized and prepared, why would we expect our students to be? I remember being a student of an unorganized teacher and thinking to myself, "I'm more prepared than she is for today. This is ridiculous." Showing that you care enough to prepare ahead of time will gain students' respect. Respect from your students is different from "being liked." A student can dislike you and your teaching style, but still respect you for being a knowledgeable and engaging instructor. Like/dislike isn't a necessary ingredient for life-long learning, but without respect students will not take you or the class seriously.
Hi Jacob:
Yes, and we sure want the student to feel confidence in our abilities and trust we are competent to teach the class. And that's fairly easy to demonstrate by getting our lesson to gether, gathering needed resources, having a well thought out game plan for the class, and then, be natural and comfortable in our delivery.
Students pick up on these attributes - good or bad. And impressions (fair or not) are quickly formed and difficult to change once formed.
Regards, Barry
Hi Sara:
Eager...what a great adjective to describe what all teachers would hope to encounter in all their classes all the time! I love it!
Probably not realistic, but your point is true - prepared teachers convey confidence, conduct classes seamlessless with a flow, even with questions or interruptions.
However, the teacher does have control over their enthusiasm, enjoyment and mastery of the topic, and creating a learning environment that students look forward to - interesting, exciting, beneficial - therefore, we can inspire and motivate, and I think these are worthwhile challenges to aspire to.
Regards, Barry
It shows you care about your career and want to pass this on to the students. It also frees the instructor up to be more agile in the classroom if they're not worried about organization.
Being organized and prepared to teach from the second the first student walks in the door is extremely important. Expecially on day one of a new class. That first impression can make a huge difference over the time of the course. It also helps the students to build confidence and trust in you which will help to let them open up and absorb the knowledge your passing on to them.
It is imperative to be organized and prepared for class if you want your students to "buy in" to your teaching. If you know your subject matter and are well-prepared, class tends to go much smoother and the students seem more eager to learn.
Hi Robert:
I agree students are more apt to respect teachers who prepare and organize class materials so as to not waste their time. They may view us as role models as well, picking up some good organizational traits that will help them later in the work setting.
Regards, Barry
It shows respect to the students. They see that you are organized and prepared and are ready to assist them in their learning.
Hi Rich:
It's true. Prepared teachers who have taken the time and effort to prepare seem to have many more classes that run smoothy, seamlessly, even with interruptions or student questions. When we are prepared, we are better able to deliver our lessons with a minimum amount of interference (such as shuffling for papers, looking for handouts, leaving to get something like copies or equipment, etc.).
And students notice. We can be the most knowledgeable person about a topic, but appearing in class unprepared can quickly destroy that impression of competency simply by not being fully prepared or organized.
Regards, Barry
I think that one of the most beneficial things that I see when I am prepared to teach a class is how much easier it is for myself. I am able to get to all my objectives and I know that I am not forgetting anything.
Hi Melanie:
Yeah, this is probably a common occurrenece for many teachers.
When organized, class just seems to flow. Even with questions or interruptions, that "seamless" feel to the teacher and students makes for a satisfying feeling "I've done my job well, and this is my reward". Always have to have those back-up plans, though. They're invaluable when you have to implemment them.
Regards, Barry
I have found the days when I am not as prepared as I should be, I end up spending more time clarifing concepts the following class periods. I have also found it helps to have a plan A, B, and even C in some cases. Being most learning material in one way or another relies on technology when glitches occur it helps the class move on smoothly with the other option that does not rely on technology and gets the class out of the normal routine.
