Hi Lamarr:
In that case, always have a back-up plan ready to go. An easy back-up plan is to divide the students into groups and have them discuss some aspect of the class, then present their findings.
This is a great way to promote discussion.
Regards, Barry
Hi Andrea:
I like how you stated an organized instructor is more prepared to answer questions. In a similar way, being organized allows us to anticipate any question, usually becuase we've heard it one way or another before from a different student.
Regards, Barry
Hi Stephanie:
And the question that always naturally follows this is what would be the impact if the instructor were constantly disorganized? If organization brings credibility and respect, would not the opposite bring a loss of credibility?
Hi Steven:
Putting together a meaningful class that's creative and interesting, that keeps students engaged and achieves the learning objectives DOES require a good plan (along with time, effort, and good organization).
Regards, Barry
It is more difficult to succeed if you don't have a plan, and to me, a plan involves preparation and organization of ideas and materials. I prepare my lecture notes and revise them fairly regularly to obtain better flow or to include more 'timely' details. Lab exercises can be complex, so constructing them ahead of time usally allows them to work better, which leads to less frustration.
Hi Kurt:
When I'm prepared and feel organized, I just teach better and, as you imply, students take notice. Competence and confidence go hand in hand.
Regards, Barry
Hi Robert:
I have found setting the standards is different from following them consistently. It may seem unfair, but a teacher could prepare a wonderful lesson plan with lots of creative activities and preparation, but have just one class they missed doing that, and the students comment "usually comes prepared to class". In some professions, letting up on standards even one time could lead to harmful, or disastrous results.
Regards, Barry
I like the last word you used in your response--professional. To look professional, you have to be organized and prepared. That is the teacher behavior that will set the tone for the class. Teachers must set high expectations for their students' achievement and to be credible, teachers must demand much of their own performance.
We've all had bad lessons, classes, etc., and that is where the reflection part of our career comes in as was noted in this section. Look at what worked and didn't work, why it did/didn't work, and develop a plan to make a change for the better.
That reflection and lesson revision will help you organize and prepare for the next class (if it has to do with how that particular student group interacts or learns) or the next time you teach that particular lesson (if it was a lesson structure, delivery, or activity problem).
Being organized shows your students that you are prepared and ready to teach. It also gives the students confidence in you. You will also be able to take best advantage of the time available to instruct the students.
Hi LaTasha:
I agree we can instill comfort in the knowledge our instructor has prepared well for the daily class assignments.
Regards. Barry
Hi Cynthia:
Yes! How can we say one thing, but demonstrate another by our actions. Students are keen to notice when their teacher is prepared. It shows how much we care about the class and (indirectly) their interests.
Regards, Barry
If the instructor is organized and prepared, the students will have more confidence in the instructor and trust the material the instructor is giving them. The students will feel confident in their decision to attend the school and course.
The instructor will also be more relaxed and be able to hold a more productive lecture session. Their thoughts may be more organized and they will be able to deliver a clear and compelling lecture. They will have a more conducive learning environment and be better respected among students. I like to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to class to set up materials, prepare the IT equipment and to greet students. By arriving early and being prepared it lets the students know that I care about their learning process and their education.
It is very important to show organization and preparation to students to show them the type of instructor you will be for them as well as, them seeing what is expected of them. One must lead by example. If you're unorganized and very messy you cannot expect your students to be neat and organized.
Being prepared not only helps the instructor to be more confident but it also conveys professionalism to the students.
If the students feel you are prepared and ready to impart knowledge they will be much more likely to paeticipate and learn.
In order to create a learning environment you need to show respect for the learning environment; which means, if the instructor is organized the students will be more willing to respect everyone in the class.
I do not think it harms the learning environment if the students know of a weakness you have, as long as, you are sharing your need to overcome the weakness and acknowledge that the weakness is currently a task to overcome.
I think first it reflects competance in the person's ability to teach. It also shows respect to the students and to the college in that the instructor is prepared and able to deliver the instruction agreed upon in the syllabus. Preparedness and organization are lessons in itself, teaching students the importance of organization and preparedness in their curriculum and lives.
We must be in order to give the students what they are paying for and getting out of the class.
The college I teach for now states I must be on campus 1/2 hour before class starts. I belevie this is good since many students get there early and have the need to ask questions before class. I also stay on the campus inbetween my classes so they can reach out to me if need be.
I feel it is important to be ready since the words that I teach need to be correct, infomative and precise to the subject matter.
I will start doing the colored paper handouts for classes. I have been doing my adgenda notes on white paper.
This way each week will be different form the next.
Great start to ED105!
You expect your students to be prepared for class so why shouldn’t the instructor be prepared. Being prepared isn’t just so you can move through your lecture with ease. Being prepared shows your students that you respect them and the time they spend in your class. It also shows that you care about them and their success in learning. One sure way to loose respect as well as control and interest is unpreparedness.
I think it's important that you are organized to teach because your students will be confident in your abilties. The will respect you more because you took time to prepare.
It gives the students confidence in knowing that there instuctor is ready for class.
