Hi Marcia:
That's true - and the opposite may occur as well. If an instructor is not prepared, this may send the message that the instructor does not care, or is not invested in that student's success.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jose:
You make a strong point - the opposite is very important to consider here.
What might occur if the instructor came across less than prepared? It may result in the instructor loosing credibility.
Regards, Barry
Hi Marcia:
This technique is often used in junior college level instruction and above.
It would be curious to see if it were used in high school, would students have more successful outcomes as a result of the higher order of organization?
Regards, Barry
Hi Marcia:
It is trully important to review syllabi the first day of class to allow students an opportunity to clarify expectations.
Some instructor use a follow-up, non-graded quiz to observe if the student received the basic understanding of those expectations.
Regards, Barry
Hi Michele:
Daily organizational techniques can make all the difference. Many instructors have daily practices for this very reason.
For example, writing out the daily objective, then reviewing that objective at the end of the class.
Regards, Barry
Hi Donna:
Having lessons planned out well in advance is a great way to stay on top of what's coming down to the students. In addition, if the instructor finishes up early, they may have the opportunity to introduce the next topic early, getting a jump start on the next concept.
Regards, Barry
Hi Catherine:
One thought about disorganization is it may cause the student to tune out, and they end up missing the main point of a concept, and walk away missing the main idea the instructor was hoping to impart for that day.
Regards, Barry
Hi Shannon:
Most are in agreement that disorganization in the classroom suggests the instructor may not know the information very well, or can lead to the loss of credibility with the students.
One idea is to have back-up plans ready to go for the students to work on to help get things back under control.
Regards, Barry
Hi Craig:
One thing for instructors to consider is what should they do if they find themselves becoming disorganized in a classroom.
Most believe having some kind of back-up activity prepared is helpful.
Regards, Barry
Hi Marife:
As we've discussed, disorganization is a very quick way to lose credibility.
Having some back-up plans ready to go is a great method of being ready for any issue if an instructor finds themself losing track of a topic.
Regards,
Barry
Hi Marlene,
Disorganization is definitely a fast way to lose credibility in the classroom!
Being organized on a regular basis comes naturally to some, and un-naturally to others. Some of us have to work harder at it than others.
Regards,
Barry
It gives the students the appearance that you care about their education. It will help you to be a better deliverer of the information the students need.
At the begining of each new semester I go over every single page so there is no misunderstanding of the expectations. I have the students sign and date the last sheet that simply state " I ______ have read and understand the content, intent and the consequences attached to failure to meet the requirements of this course as outlined in the syllabus received ________ date. name: _________________
course: ___________________________. This clears up any chance of anyone misunderstanding what is expected of them.
Being organized is a sign of professionalism and self confidence in the presentation of the material. I have my source books and my bullet note sheet ready for classroom discussion and prepare the night before on how and what I want to convey in the lecture to the students. I want the message to be usable as much as it is informative.
I think this is my biggest issue. I am such a procrastinator and I really struggle with the issue. Reading this today really challenges me to be a better instructor. Thank you!
Being organized and prepared to teach shows the students you respect them and their time. It also helps the instructor to provide an environment more conducive to learning. Having a plan directs the focus and keeps the class on track. It is also good to have a backup plan in case of circumstances beyond your control. This may include technical difficulties or unavailability of resources. You may have planned for a guest speaker who is unable to show or a field trip may need to be cancelled due to weather conditions.
Students learn by observation. When the instructor is well organized and prepared they know that the instructor is professional and respects their time and desire to learn. It is also important for the instructor's sake to be organized and prepared - otherwise the instructor may feel very stressed!
Organization in life in general should be top priority on anyones list. For an instructor to come into the classroom at the last minute with papers hanging out everywhere gives the student the mindset that if the instructor is last minute, it should be alright for the student to do it too. Then the student will start to develop the same habits. Another problem with coming to class unprepared is that it will take the instructor time to prepare the class, therefore taking up valuable time from the student. After all, the student is the one paying for the time!
It is important because you can then spend energy on the delivery as opposed to the content. I find it helps keep the students connected and organized if I am connected and organized myself.
I agree. As an adjunct this can be an easy thing to fall into.
