Being organized and prepared to teach does not only mean having your assignments and handounts ready. It means being prepared physically and mentally. It is just as important for the instructor to be well-rested, emotionally and physically ready to teach as it is for students to be prepared to learn. If an instructor is tired or hungry or concerned about things outside the classroom they will not be focused on the student's needs or course material.
It is an instructor's responsibility to consider where the last class ended and make sure that the new class has a clear connection to it. There is no way that an instructor can be as effective when they "wing it." They must be prepared so not only are they giving their students a good impression, but the content for that particular day is worthy of the students' time. It is unethical for an instructor to be unprepared and organized. It is a mandatory quality.
Hi Michael:
In other words, if we are disorganized, it may send the wrong kind of message to the student, which can have a long term impact to their willingness to learn from us.
Regards, Barry
Not only does this set the stage for a successful class, it removes barriers caused by fumbling distraction and lack of student respect. They deserve to feel like their time and money is well spent.
When we have a clear plan we teach the students to have one also.
Miss Jaz
Hi Margaret:
In addition to sending a strong message to the students that we care about their learning, you're right, it's less stressful when we walk into the class in an organized manner. This lesser amount of stress will undoubtedly translate to the atmosphere.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jason:
A lot of instructors have probably experienced what you're describing. Some philosophies describe holding a tighter reign on the students in the beginning to avoid the pitfall of playing catch up the rest of the session.
Regards, Barry
I have been offering hybrid classes which meet partly in the clasroom and partly online. Being organized is the key to making this format successful. Everything needs to be laid out for both the classroom and online portions before the unit (usually one seek long) begins. The link between the online section and the classroom must also be figured out in advance. We go over the agenda and assignment in detail at the beginning of each classroom session. We also wrap up the online activities with a discussion at the beginning of each class and go over what activities and assignments will occur on the online portion. Without being organized, this format would be a disaster. As it is, the student seem to flock to it.
I feel it is important because we are setting an example for our students. If we are not organized and prepared, what does that demonstrate to our students? I think you loose some credibility when your unorganized and ill prepared.
Being organized shows the students that you are invested in their learning and that you are not just throwing things together at the last minute. If you consistently appear disorganized they can lose their respect and you lose your creditability with the students in your class. Students also talk so then future students will enroll in your next class with a preconceived impression of you when it is not valid. Once in a while life happens even to the instructor and it is hard to get everything together, but you have to even if you put an act to make it through that class.
Brenda,
I think we all may have been in situations where we were not as prepared as we would like to be, and it can make you and the students uncomfortable. Students can pick up on your vulneralbilities when you are feeling less confident than usual.
Barry,
I very much agree with you. If you have expectations in writing that are precise and clear, it makes for effective communication between the instructor and the student. It also clears up many misunderstandings about expectations, if what you have in writing needs any clarification from students.
It is important for an instuctor to be organized and prepared, first because it makes the class go smoother. Secondly, if you are organized and prepared, it can give a perception to the students that you cared enough about their learning process to do so. This alos gains the respect of students. And third, being organized and prepared sets an example for the students.
Oranization and preparedness is paramount because it builds trust with students that there is an investment on the part of the instructor to bring their best into the learning environment. If it doesn't happen, students can disengage and feel cheated out of a meaningful class or course or feel that the instructor is not worth learning from.
The material will be easily presented and the students will know that the instructor knows his information. The better prepared, the better the chance the students will understand and learn the subject material.
Students need to feel that class time is productive for them and that they are learning something that will help them achieve their career goals. They tend to perceive disorganized instructors as wasting their time. Once a student concludes that his/her time is being wasted, it is difficult to get that student back as an active learner in the class.
Barry,
Being prepared for class simply displays instructor professionalism to the student body. If the students see that you are prepared, they often realize that they need to be prepared as well. I consider this Leading By Example. Starting instructional delivery on schedule also conveys that the instructor cares about their education. As a result, students often gain respect for the instructor.
Joe
Hi Gregory:
Right - and also, to look at the other side of the coin, instructors need to be aware of the message it can send to the student if we come across disorganized. If we do, then it may suggest to them we don't care enough about their learning to be organized.
Regards, Barry
Hi Alyce:
The nice thing about the method of preparation you're describing is that it probably results in no feelings of stress on the instructor's shoulders.
Also, it will convey a sense of authority of the subject matter, sending the most appropriate indirect message to the student about your knowledge level.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jennifer:
In addition, if an instructor is dosorganized, they may lose credibility with the group which can impact how well things go in the future within that group.
Regards, Barry
