Organization is Key to Student Success
Organization is so important to students' success. When an instructor is organized, all of the objectives can be met and the "gray area" moments during class can be filled instead of having to run to the copy machine in order to make copies are fumbling around with the projector to project a PowerPoint presentation.
Linda,
This sounds like a clever way to see who's paying attention. Of course, once someone learns of the omissions, then others can potentially learn by student grapevine.
Barry Westling
During the first two weeks of my lab class I prepare/set up the lab with all equipment in the order in which is required of the task before the class begins. Slowly, I will omit an item on one day, then a diffrent piece of equipment the next. I wait to see how many students notice and correct the action. This lets me know who is paying attention to detail and helps the student relize how important organization is.
Larisa,
Ah,the instructor's dilemma, limited prep time. I think most experienced instructors who want to do their best probably always feel there isn't enough time or that "I could have prepared a bit more". That said, getting students involved in their own instruction during class is one techniqe, and actually probably should be done more frequently any way. Active student participation in class such as creating PPT slides, pair-share group discussions, volunteer white-board writers (instructor lectures, students stands at board writing), and dozens of similar activities that may have been thought of as only the instructors job but can be accomplished quite well by students is very practical. So as to your post, streamlining prep time can be achieved, at least in part, by more creative thought as to ways to involve students in the class.
Barry Westling
I find it really difficult to prepare for my course with the amount of "prep" time I am provided. I always feel like I could have used a few more hours of planning to "smooth out the kinks". Sometimes I can barely finish my power points and run copies every week. Any suggestions for a new teacher to help streamline prep time??
Sue Ellen,
Yes, students notice subtle things like being prepared or knowledge level. Sufficient time and effort needs to go into each class so that students have the best opportunity to benefit from the instructional experience.
Barry Westling
Being an organized instructor make the class easier on the students as well as the instructor. It also shows the students that you respect them and the education they recieve. Organization gives an impression of the instructor and how much they care about they're career
I agree that organization is a key to student success and is also so empowering for the instructor.
Joseph,
Right! Students feel more comfortable, have more confidence in their instructor, and actually learn better when the learning environment is smooth, prepared, well organized, and all resources are readied for class.
Barry Westling
