Krista,
Good. We have to be there for our students and they pick up on subtle things like our tardiness, disorganization, or hurried, unprepared ways.
Barry Westling
It is extremely important for instructors to arrive at class organized and prepared. I am a role model for my students both in submit matter/career experience and as a working professional. If I ask that they arrive to class prepared with readings/assignments completed on time, then I must also model the same professional behavior. I arrive early to the classroom and set up my materials. This way as the students are arriving, I can take the time to greet them, ask them about their day and they are also more likely to ask me questions in return.
Kathy,
Yep. We have one chance to make that good first impression. Students want and expect their instructors to be role models, and even if they totally care for the class they're taking, they desire guidelines and expectations to know what is acceptable, especially if they have had, or will have different instructors (with different guidelines).
Barry Westling
Tricia,
Yes, there is nothing wrong in letting students see that their instructor are normal, human, and subject to errors. I think being able to have a good sense of humor about it also goes to reinforcing authenticity. Most people appreciate when others are real, honest, and forthright. It builds trust and respect too.
Barry Westling
It shows respect for the students, the institution, and for yourself. It shows that you care about the time the students are giving to you, just like a student being on time shows they care about the time you are giving to them.
If you are not ready, they can see that. Students look to us as if we know EVERYTHING! I love that in them but not affraid to let them know I am not perfect. I have misspelled a word on the board to show them I am not perfect and we all make mistakes every now and again.
James,
You're right.hink we as instructyors can do this minimally or extraordinarily. The latter is like being there before students arrive, making ouirselves available, using alternative teaching styles to reach all students, and things like that. This will create a lasting impression and is a great way to role model professionalism.
Barry Westling
David,
Students are perceptive. They notice little things. Seeing an instructor hurried, rushed, making last minute copies, disheveled and disorganized, and jumping around betwenn topics (unintentionaly) creates a lasting impression of unpreparedness. Contrasted against being there when students arrive, objective written on the board, all resources and materials laid out, and the lesson ready to go, the students will observe "this instructor is ready, and so should I be".
Barry Westling
David,
These are good. When I think of time management, I substitute "self management", as we all have the same amount of time in a day, it's how we use it that matters. And when effort and planning goes into each class, the student outcomes are bound to be better.
Barry Westling
I think it is an issue of credibility. If we hold students to certain expectations - work in on time - be organized in thought - be timely - then it is only fair that we demonstrate that through what we do.
Have all pass arounds ready. supplies for the board ready
Plan time management, lesson plan. Have a back up plan
Diana,
Right! Plus, an instructor provides a better teaching environment when they feel and know they have made all of the needed preparations for instructing their class. Smoother, better flow, more confident, and puts students at ease.
Barry Westling
ANTOINETTE,
Yep. We want our students to feel good about their career choice and the school resources, instructor and setting where they receive their education. Our competence along with readiness to teach every day to the fullest helps assure the students will have their best educational experience.
Barry Westling
Mike,
I agree sometimes students are unhappy about something, and the classroom can be an outlet for their frustration, if we let them. I try to curb those behaviors as soon as they are observed by talking with the student in private, laying out my expectations, and coming to an agreement about what is and is not appropriate behavior. If the student is willing, I'll also listen to their personal difficulties, but only if they're comfortable sharing. If they are, I my offer suggestions, and in some cases, just having someone to talk to can make the difference between frustration and hope.
Barry Westling
Because it sets the tone and models the behavior that we expect from them.
Because an organized instructor instills confidence. Students will perceive the instructor as more competent and will be much more comfortable with having chosen that particular school and class.
You will always have a student in the class who is looking for any sign of weakness in you that cna be exploited. Once this student has a bone to chew on, they will make your classroom life a negative experience until you fix the situation.
Andrea,
Yeah, we may know what we expect from students but it's unfair to them if we have not done our job in adequately getting them ready, and that comes first by the instructor getting ready.
Barry Westling
David,
There's nothing like looking prepared than being prepared! Yes, students notice our degree of readiness for class. We can appear confident, but we also have to demonstrate competence, and comes by taking the necessary time and effort to prepare the lesson, gather resources, and be ready to go as students begin enetring the room.
Barry Westling
