If the instructor is organized then the information most likely is also. It will be concise and packaged along with being well thought out. I cannot imagine not being organized and not knowing what or how I was going to cover material for that day. This also gives the instructor along with the student a map of the course and where they are on the map.
Barry,
The first impression is a lasting one. By being prepared, organized, and composed we present a professional competence to the students and set the tone for the course. Having lesson notes, applicable handouts, and course material prepared the students will understand that you take your responsibility as an educator seriously and are prepared to instruct them on the material.
Greg
as a culinary instructor I have noticed that it doesn't matter how well you know the material it is important to go over it before standing in front of the classroom and doing your presentation so that your are aware of all the important discussion topics that will surface during the presentation.
Hi Kellie:
We can use our own work performance as examples of expectations at work - being good role models fosters replication of that attribute. It's unfortunate when a teacher who is quite knowledgeable fumbles around, disorganized and messy, and has to waste students time. Students have enough clutter in their lives. They shouldn't have to come to school and experience more of it.
Regards, barry
Hi Peggy:
Good job! Keeping students engaged is a challenge sometimes. The best way is when students feel the information is important, or will be on a test, helpful to them in the employment setting, or is just plain fun. So, whnever I want to keep students focused I align the daily activities to one of the above items I know they'll be interested in, and usually it makes for a more enjoyable experience for all.
Regards, Barry
It is important for the student to see that being in class and prepared is what is expected in the real work world. Ex. Being at work on time and unprepared then having to make copies and so forth in my mind is now being late. Not a good example for success.
As an instructor, I am more comfortable teaching when I have brought all of the resources for me and for the students. I usually have back up material in the event that we cover what was scheduled and usually try and make it a fun project, so the students will stay engaged.
Hi Roger:
Good comment. I think of preparation like an auto mechanic. You bring your car in for some problem. You expect the shop to be clean and orderly (prepared). You expect the mechanic to quickly arrive at a diagnosis of the problem (instruction). And you expect the problem fixed when you pick up you care (knowledge received).
Now if you went to a shop, where it was dirty, greasy, and the mechanic had to look all around for tools and/or parts, and it took twice as long as estimated to fix the problem, that'd be a different story.
So I'm sure you see the comparison. Prepared means ready - for both what is planned and that which is not. We want to be in charge of making all class sessions productive and effective. It's our duty to the our students.
Regards, Barry
Hi Francis:
Good teachers hold themselves accountable and responsible for their students learning, and are willing to put in the time, effort, creativity, and patience to see good student outcomes. I think caring about how students perform can make a diiference too. If students sense this, they will be motivated to try harder.
Regards, Barry
Hi Johnna:
Many teachers want to do just as you've stated but find their time, preparation, and other committments make quality preparation difficulty. A good plan is to organize a week, a month, a term in advance, and that gives a plan of action for planning. Students will notice when teachers are prepared and they'll appreciate it.
Regards, Barry
Hi Brian:
Great. If students truly believe their instructor cares, that makes so much difference. I think students are more willing to be motivated to do their best in this setting.
Regards, Barry
For the students to have confidence in their instructor the instructor must show he / she is well prepared and organized to run a class. From lecture to demo and any other discussions that may come up. The instructor must also be prepared for suprises such as missing equipment or last minute changes
Not only does being organized and prepared to teach inspire the students to be organized and prepared to learn; it also saves you time during class to get to the point. You won't waste time doing 'on-the-spot' preparations or organizations which can be distracting to the students.
the best way to instill confidence in your students that you are prepared is to be ready to go day one- you can then focus on thier questions and needs going forward.
Education is a business. All of the care about students and passion about a field is just rhetoric unless the instructor is prepared and ready to deliver. Sure it's a 2-way transaction (students have their end) but at the end of the day, the instructor is responsible. It's his/her job...er, actually their profession and to fail with this fundamental requirement is to risk, "Jetson, you're fired!" "The Jetsons" too childish? how about "The Apprentice" (Donald Trump)? Everyone can have an off day but that should be due to other factors.
I always make sure that I have what I need before I start my class. If I need something extra, I do it on break or at my lunch time.
The bottom line is that students will see that the professor is organized and cares about the success of his or her students. Also, organization helps administration gather data for the assessment of student learning outcomes for various bodies such as Middle States and New York State Education Department. Organization also helps with student retention rates.
Hi Frederick:
Right! Well planned classes take time, effort, thought, and preparation for successful execution. It may look smooth and seamless to students, and if so, that would a measure of success. Less planning will show in disorganized, time wasting delays and students will begin to see even competent teachers fail to deliver optimal class delivery strategies. How awful to earn that reputation!
Regards, Barry
Hi David:
I agree that not having materials and resources together can waste students time. Sometimes, some students probably don't care - the less they have to do the better. But as teachers, we have an obligation and responsibility to use theirs and our time effeciently and effectively - maximized. I really think when the teacher presents an orderly classroom, it helps the students learn better.
Regards, Barry
Hi Kimberly:
The classroom environment says a lot about the teacher, there preparation, and expectations for students. When students see me cleaning white boards, straightening desks, picking paper, getting things in order, they don't mind when I ask them to help me. Most of the time, the begin to do this without being told. It's a lesson in courtesy and organization.
Regards, Barry
