Being prepared
I have seen many teachers not prepared. I feel this is a big part in coming across as organized and knowledgeable of your subject area. The students are not confident in you, if you are not coming across as having your act together. many teachers have problems in this area and it is reflected in student surveys and comments. So, this is where it needs to start in being organized.
Sarah
Emily,
Sometimes students can be unkind and intolerant. Sincerity, patience and being apprachable along with preparation helps convey competence to students. We can only exercise control over ourselves. But that doesn't mean we can't maintain order and insist on adhearence to the rules.
Barry Westling
I agree about being prepared and being in class before they arrove. The students are to quick to throw you under the bus.
Glen,
Your personal "teaching moment" is invaluable. Being experienced unfortunately includes some not so wonderful situations along with the terrific ones. They say you can replace a person, but you can't replace what they know. Your knowledge is most valuable to you -- you learn from it and move on. I say, you're better for it as a result (based on your subsequent action plans).
Barry Westling
Hi Sarah,
It is frustrating to know that recently I had the same experience when I was asked to teach a class. I have made preparations only to find out that another instructor is teaching the class. I had the chance to observe the class and all she had to do was to read the power points. I could have done the same. Unfortunately, the class evaluative tests suffered. The point is, it's not easy to render a class with no adequate preparation and students loses respect to the instructor and at the same time with the administration. I made this experience as a teaching moment for me as well. I made it a point that whenever I do clinical teaching I am prepared and that includes my objectives, handouts, case based scenario, clinical hourly schedule, and the likes. My students validates that this help them structure, prepare their clinical rotation, and maximizes their critical learning as well. Thank you for the opportunity to share my insight. Glen
Josue,
Organization is a key factor, especially when busy instructors are juggling multiple classes. Even if it's one class, getting immediate access to needed materials facilitates keeping busy work to a minimum and allowing maximal time for student instruction.
Barry Westling
I strongly agree with the importance of being prepared and beeing organized can help with this. I personally keep different binders for the courses I teach with pocket folders that all contain the same thing, such as; roster, syllabus, assignments, etc.
Shiketheia,
Every day in class, students are watching and observing. Even if they are less than fully prepared, they know when we are not. We have an obligation and responsibility to them to be ready every day. That makes a difference to our students.
Barry Westling
This is so true. We must show our students we are professional and organized. The school where I teach, the students will tell you how they feel about an instructor. We must be that professional role model.
Sarah,
Right, among our very basic job responsibilities is class preparedness. We owe that to our students and our employers.
Barry Westling
