Hi Suzanne:
For me, prepared means my lesson material, supplemental and ancillaries are ready, class resources are available and working, and I've taken time to review the topic. Along with review, I like to have exercises, questions, or other interactive participation ready to enhance and engage the student.
Students will notice that time and effort has gone into the lesson and tends to build trust and respect for the teacher.
Regards, Barry
Hi Rebecca:
When I'm prepared, I have taken time to ready the resources I need, prepare my notes and teaching aids, make sure the class is ready to go at the designated time, and be available to answer questions, either befor class or during a lecture/discussion portion of the class.
If there is a lab component, making sure all is working beforehand will save time and make for a smooth demonstration and transition - a better learning experience for the student.
It's true that students will notice when their teacher is prepared. This instills both trust and respect in the teachers efforts.
Regards, Barry
An instructor must "lead by example". Organizational skills are necessary for success in many areas of life, including doing well academically. If a student is organized, he/she is more likely to excel and learn.
In addition, being organized and well prepared saves time and demonstrates respect for the student.
It is important for an instructor to be organized and prepared for class so that they may gain respect from the students. The student will see that the instructor is serious about their job.
The main reason is that if the students see that the instructor is not organized and prepared, then they tend to not put their best foot forward with their own work. Students who attend classes with prepared and organized instructors, usually put more effort into their learning.
The statement about having all of your media organized is paramount. If you, as the instructor, show up to class and have printed handouts for all but one student, it shows a lack of discipline and attention to detail. Additionally, that one student may feel overlooked. You can't begin class and then excuse yourself to make copies; that should have been done before entering the room in the first place.
Technology is utilized daily; you have to be sure that all is set up, properly working and ready.
There is no room for complacency - instructors or students.
It is important for an instructor to be organized and prepared for each and every class because it demonstrates to the students that this is what is expected of them as a student; and, likewise, will be expected of them in their careers.
Students want to learn and like to be challenged. We need to constantly present those challenges. This lends itself to assisting the students in developing critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
If this is done on a daily basis, the students will themselves realize the importance. After all, we are preparing them while in study for what they will encounter upon attaining employment.
It is not good for this type of preparedness to be a "surprise" to them.
Being organized and prepared to teach will show the students that you are interested in their success. It will also show the students that being organized and prepared will help them with job interviews and in their careers.
SO YOU HAVE THE BEST USE OF CLASS TIME AND MATERIALS
TO UTILIZE TIME EFFECTIVLY AND TO HAVE AN ORDERLY FASHION IN WHICH THE LECTURE SHOULD GO
We are preparing each student to work in the field that they are going to enter. By being organized and prepared ourselves, we are an example of what is expected of them. When we tell students they must be on time, prepared and ready and willing to do their work, we have practiced what we preach!
Not only does being organized ahead give the students a pro reflection, it also allows me to feel more relaxed because I know the plan. The plan often goes left or right depending on the need of the lesson, but I have the map to get back on the road with. This allows me to explore more with the students, gives me more freedom to be present.
Being organized and greeting students as class begins sets a positive tone for the class. It relieves anxiety and pressure for both instructor and students. Students need to know that we are ready and glad to be there.
Kathy Loecher
To gain respect from students and show them you care about what they are learning.It shows the instructor is organized and ready to present the subject matter at hand.
It is important for an instructor because it is a reflection of them. If students see that the instructor is disorganized and not prepared, students may begin to feel that they do not have to be that way either. Instructors have to realize that students are watching them all of the time and it is important for them to set the tone and standards of being organized and prepared each day.
To be prepared for class and questions that students may have on the lesson. This help to accomplish more learning in the class.
It is essential to use your time in class to best share and use your time with your students. It is important for students to then want to follow through with what you expect of them as well.
Showing up unprepared can damage the credibility of the instructor with the students. This, in the long run, can damage the learning experience of the student as they don't respect the instructor
The students will see that you care about the subject and that you respect them.
Hi Marianna:
Creative! Whenever we can get students to think on their own, they'll remember more and probably retain more as well.
I would add that walking into class without preparation puts them at a disadvantage as few are able to assimilate brand new information in one sitting. So preparation by reading, studying, or following assignments given in the syllabus will help assure there will be a more receptive audience.
Regards, Barry
