Lima,
All effortys you mentioned contribute to a perception by students that their instructor is readied and serious about their classes. That doesn't mean stuffy and boring, rather it means competent and confident inb conveying essential information in a dynamic learning environment.
Barry Westling
It is very important for an instructor to be organized and prepared.
The preparation aspect means that you are ready for what you will teach your students. You know your content and you have sequenced it to meet your students' learning needs. That will boost your confidence in teaching the class. That also shows that you respect your students.
The organized aspect means that you have all your class materials sorted and ready before the class starts. That will project to your students an image of a true professional of the field and will enhance respect from your students.
Judy,
Early on, I actually stand at the door and personnaly greet each student, shake their hand and welcome them to class. Once we're all more familiar, I still try to be in the class before anyone else, and offer general help, or just chat to make a personal connection. When class begins, having everything readied suggests I'm serious about class, but my personality style is friendly, approachable and conveys "I'm here to help you".
Barry Westling
I've always felt that an Instructor should meet and greet each student before class actually begins.This will give the day a positive start.
Instructors should have their materials completed and ready to hand out in a timely manner. Class should always start on time!
Wesley,
I agree students appreciate knowing their instructors have put time and effort into class preparation, and goes to show professionalism and good role modeling practices.
Barry Westling
Instructors need to be organized and prepared to set a good example to their students. With working at a career college students need to see the hard work and determination put in by the isntructor. Instructors are molding students for future careers in the field of choice.
James,
Great! Any method or action an instructor feels is important and does beforehand towards preparation is worthwhile and will benefit students. Students do notice and appreciate these efforts. They expect us to be the role model.
Barry Westling
BRUCE,
You're right. I think being prepared with aeverything outlined, gathered, and readied just makes classes run smoother, the instructor more at ease, and the students more comfortable. As a result, there is more connectivity and engagement.
Barry Westling
I find by printing a master copy at home and being prepared reduces my anxiety level. Moreover, I arrive one hour prior to class to make copies of lesson materials; this shows the students that I repect them and care for their career success. Furthermore, by being prepared the class starts and ends on time and all lesson objectives are covered smoothly.
I find by printing a master copy at home and being prepared reduces my anxiety level. Moreover, I arrive one hour prior to class to make copies of lesson materials; this shows the students that I repect them and care for their career success. Furthermore, by being prepared the class starts and ends on time and all lesson objectives are covered smoothly.
Though being organized and prepared for class prior is the absolute best for the students and I believe that they will have greater respect and focus, I find that if I DO NOT go into class well orgaized, IT DRIVES ME CRAZY!!!
Chukwuka,
Right. Staying on track is important both for the instructor and student. Students need order, direction, and clear instruction as to expectations and understanding of course materials. When there is disorder, it contributes to confusion (and perhaps chaos), and some students have enough chaos in their lives without us adding to it.
Barry Westling
Organizing and preparing would definitely help an instructor stay focused. If you are organized and prepared, you make effort not to deviate from the topic of discussion. I have seen teachers who would start a topic, spend a minute or two on it, lose their trend of thought, and go off on something unrelated. By the time they realize it, class time is up.
It is important for instructors to be an example and/or role model in the eyes of the students. By being on time and prepared for class, I am setting a professional example that will lead to the students respecting me more as an educator. How can I expect professionalism out of my students in the classroom if I project the opposite behaviors? We must lead by example!
Jay,
That's great preparation. Having a back up plan along with thorough preparation as byou do should provide for smooth class sessions. I'm sure your students appreciate the degree of preparation you provide.
Barry Westling
I personally have all my materials and handouts prepared 2 weeks in advance so if my class size were to change i can get any extra materials in a calm manner.
Alan,
Surpisingly, I have found students want and desire direction, instructions, and expectations given to them. That doesn't mean they will follow them all the time, but I think they want to know what the limits are (so in some cases, they can push the limits). At any rate, our preparation serves as a role model, and more importantly, assists us in making the learning experience meaningful and effective.
Barry Westling
I want all my students to be organized and prepared for my class. I feel it is vital so we do not waste time, and have a level of preparation so we may work on course material rather than on how to implement the learning experience. They should expect no less from me. On occasion I intentionally will act unprepared to not only show them how it adversly affects the learning experience but to interject some levity into the classroom.
Lulu,
I think when we are organized, we just give better classes. We have all our needed copies, handouts, materials, and other prepratory resources readied, and the lessons run smoothly and seamlessly.
Barry Westling
Instructors have to be organized and be prepared so class can be taught proficiently and not using class time to prepare for the class. Students will appreciate that and know that you are a dedicated instructor
