Rebecca,
When I've been less than fully prepared, I feel it in my ability to conduct class smoothly, and I know my students know it. They may not say anything, but it's apparent, especially when they're accustomed to a fully prepared instructor.
Barry Westling
I agree! I am the same way. Prep time is a very important part of organization and classroom flow.
Organization is key when it comes to teaching and classroom management. Students like to see that their instructor is prepared to deliver the needed information to them in an organized manner. It also sets a great example for your students.
Leon,
Indeed. Instructors delivery and presentation just has to be smoother and more effective when all materials are in place and resources are gathered in readiness for class.
Barry Westling
Gina,
I think students like order and direction. Orgainzed classroom set-ups with prepared instructors hels provide that sense of order for students.
Barry Westling
It improves productivity in learning.
It sends the image of being a professional.
It sends the message that procedures will be followed.
It provides a sense of structure for students (many students look for this in a class).
Leon Guendoo
As an instructor you are also a roll model especially in career oriented college. So being prepared and organized with lecture and lab demonstrates your competency within the field of study.
Edward,
Good thoughts. Too, I really think students want to be given direction and have a need for order (there is often enough chaos and turmoil occuring in their backside of life any way). So a prepared environment with orderly conduct (that comes with time and effort on the part of the instructor) can create an improved learning environment, and may even contribute a bit to less stress in their lives.
Barry Westling
It promotes an aire of professionalism, competency, and leadership. It also promotes the sense that both the instructor and student's time is valuable, and the desire to maximize the return on knowledge and time spent in the classroom.
Sandhya,
Good. This also shows we are "normal" and helps students feel like they can talk to us about whatever is on their mind.
Barry Westling
Adrienne,
This describes a good (and not unfamiliar) approach to preparing for classes. Expect the unexpected!
Barry Westling
That is a very good point. I can't tell how many interesting conversations I've had with my students before class starts. The students feel recognized and feel that what they say matters. You are right it is a great way to show respect for the student, as well as answer any questions they may have regarding the previous day's lecture.
If possible, I come in a hour before class just to get myself organized. Because I teach as an adjunct, I find myself walking around with a lot of book bags full of materials. By coming in early I can organize myself in the classroom, write the class objectives and next week's assignments on the board and relax a bit before class starts. If students need extra help or just some one-on-one time, they generally know that they can talk to me either before or after class. It also gives me an opportunity to just chat a bit with the students whole come in early and get to know them better. And, in the rare even that there is a classroom crisis (i.e. projector doesn't work or computer network is down), I have some time to either try to resolve the problem or go to plan B. I think all of these things are important in establishing a professional and friendly persona in the classroom.
Brooke,
That's a great real world example to share with your students. And it's not a simulation - we are expected to be on time, prepared, ready to answer questions, start on time, and have everything ready to go because that's our job.
Barry Westling
I speak to my students about this all the time to show them time management skills and that organization and attitude really are everything in the work place.
I give them an example of me, walking into the classroom, hurried, huffy, and in a bad mood. The students can immediately feel the tension which then causes an adverse reaction in themselves and with othere classmates.
Being organized shows that you have taken the time to prepare for the class; to give the best of yourself to them during that time. They are here to learn FROM YOU afterall, and this is YOUR JOB!
If you worked a desk job and decided to just not put your all into the work that day so that only half was being done ... would you last long?
Sandhya,
Another benefit to arriving early is I always find it provides me a few minutes of quality time with students as they arrive. I can answer questions, convey information, or just chat. And in doing so, I think the trust and respect level increases as a result. But the time and effort to get things readied beforehand is a necessity.
Barry Westling
I liked to get to my class a half hour early so that I could have time to organize my handouts and materials that I may need to teach the class. I reviewed the material that I intend to teach them. I also made sure that the audio-visual equipment was in working order. Being organized and prepared not only shows respect for the students, but also shows that you take pride in teaching them and that you realize that it is a privilege to be guiding them to be successful in their chosen career.
Terry,
Preparation is so important. Students view it as an aspect of professionalism. And if an instructor appears unprepared, some students will feel slighted and may lose some creditibity or respect for their instructor, especially if it happens more than just very infrequently. This is our job and it's what we're paid to do.
Barry Westling
I have found that the more time and effort in preparation; the more comfortable I am in presenting the subject material in an orderly fashion.
In addition, the course has specific time requirements when classes meet. I need to present the appropriate amount of material in this time frame. It would not be appropriate to start on a new subject during the last 10-15 minutes of class. I have found the longer one has been in a teaching career, the easier it is to allocate time appropriately.
Deanna,
Yes, and of course, this is our job - what we are paid for.
Barry Westling
