to be successful in any endeavor, requires preparation, whether business, pleasure, or teaching.
Your job as instructor is to see that the students in your class receive the information that you have inside of you. Now, for that to happen it requires that you prepare ahead. This means knowing the syllabus to see where the class fits in the overall scheme; the chaper to know what is specific to that particular class; and you need to know what you can personalize with you anecdotal accounts giving it relevance on a personal level.
I think it not only shows respect for the student, it reflects positively on you as a instructor when you talk about neatness and being organized. It also helps you to be calm and feeling better, even on your bad days.
To start with it shows repsect to your customers (students) its what they pay for. Secondly, being organized aids you in your thoughts and presentations. Third, it aids in knowledge sharing if the subjects are taught in an organized manner rather then a scattered approach. This will build on each piece of the puzzle until it is complete.
Hi Joe:
You're absolutely correct - and think about what message it may send when an instructor is disorganized - something like "I don't care enough about your learning to be prepared".
Regards, Barry
Hi Nancy:
As you wrote, student's may feel like an instructor is wasting time, and think about the loss of credibility this may result in, or the wrong message it may send to the student.
Regards, Barry
Hi Daniel:
Also, being disorganized may inadvertently send the wrong message to the student - something like "I don't care enough about your learning to be organized for you".
Regards, Barry
The instructor models both the tone and standard for the students.
If the instructor is prepared, the students come ready. This may mean having appropriate handouts, preparing a PowerPoint, selecting an activity, and having supplemental activities in order to maximize the time. It may also mean having a place for students to put homework so they have also prepared for class.
As for tone, some classroom environments are strict or militant (like the drill sergeant teacher). The one I prefer is welcoming, open, and accepting.
My goal is to be ready....both in spirit and in preparation!
Beth
I like the old football coaches description of planning. "failure to plan is planning to fail."
Being organized sets an example for the class to follow. Students develop their perceptions of the instructor by observing his or her behavior. A well-prepared and well-organized instructor exudes authority. Authority and respect are important to classroom management. The organized instructor is a respected instructor. If a student wants to garner the respect of his or her instructor, the student will often try be organized and use the instructor as a role model.
Hi Sherri,
I agree 100%, especially when students have a job and giving more of their time to be successful in life.
If said instructor was not prepared or orginized the studi will catch on rather quickly, loose faith in thier ability to learn from said instructor, possibly want to seek alternative schooling or instruction at another location. This will not be a good situation for all involved especially the studi.
I feel when teaching career college students who are balancing jobs, families and their education they need to feel that we are utilizing the time they have with us as effectively as possible. By being prepared for our classes we demonstrate: respect for them, fulfillment of their expectations by having the resources they need available, and we demonstrate our accountability to their education.
Hi Barry,
Quite simply put if you show a large degree of being unorganized you are sending an unintended message that you do not respect the class or the material. If you are organized and have everything prepare it shows respect to the students and afterall they are paying your salary. It also shows that you care about their future success.
Hi DaNae:
To paraphrase what you wrote, an instructor usually loses credibility with the students when they demonstrate these kinds of behaviors.
Regards, Barry
Hi Lawrence:
And additionally, these kinds of behaviors might cause a loss of credibility for the instructor.
Regards, Barry
Hi Lisa:
The issues with instructors coming across disorganized is that it may send a poor message to the student - something like "I don't care enough about your learning to be organized".
Regards, Barry
I am learning that I shouldn't just show up a half hour early to make copies for classes - I am even starting to make copies days in advance. I learned this valuable lesson one morning when I came in (it was an exam day) and our copier was down! It was a tragic mess. I started making copies in advance just to avoid this situation again, but in doing so I have found that I feel so much more prepared instead of making copies early in the morning right before class.
I very much agree. Too, it is our role to 'walk the walk'. As instructors, we want our students to be responsible adults - arriving in class thoroughly prepared. Setting the example of what that looks like is one of our many jobs.
Using the five "P's", Prior-Planning-Prevents-Poor-Performance. It works all the time.
It is important for instructors to be prepared and organized for each class because we are role models for our students and it will also show our students that we have a passion for our profession and that we care about their success.
I believe being organized and prepared to teach will encourage students to become actively involved in their metacognitive learning process. What do you think?
Vernise
