Kellie,
Much of these sentiments could also be said of the students. They can sense when their instructor is in control, prepared, and ready with with all needed resources.
Barry Westling
being organized in the class is very important..its sets off the day..making you enjoy teaching instead of being overwhelmed with chaos. It allows you to focus on the task at hand, and can focus on your class as well. your mind is one place.
Manuela,
Right. We are better at our jobs when we are prepared, organized, with all needed resources and materials available. Our time is so precious, to waste it on having to scramble around is just a big waste. And of course, being unprepared does little to benefit students.
Barry Westling
I want my students to be organized and prepared for each class, and if I am not the role model for what I expect from them, what kind of impression would that make? I also need the class time to teach, for activities, labs, discussions etc. If I start organizing in class, valuable time is lost.
Dona,
Planning is key to successful preparation. Absent a plan, who could hope for a positive outcome. Readiness favors the prepared. An outline is a terrific way to assist with planning.
Barry Westling
I find that being prepared for class, both mentally and physically (with handouts and materials) is key for being able to remain enthusiastic and energizing my students to learn the day's topic. Keeping an hourly outline of the day's courses helps keep me on task and lets the students know what is coming up.
Angela,
Yes, and of course, one important result is that our students get the full measure of the lesson material that was planned for the class. Winging it, or trying to deliver without preparation is way less than optimal, and rarely ends with good results.
Barry Westling
Organization and preparedness helps you create lesson plans and meet course objectives, it also shows you are passionate about what you do, it shows the students you care.
Brian,
It's so true that our actions convey our care, interest, and success of the students is a primary focus. Students want and need order, and these kind of actions help reinforce that, and in doing so, provide comfort a sense of security that their instructor has everything under control.
Barry Westling
It is very important to be prepared to teach, because it demonstrates to your students that you care. I start preparing for class by having a plan for entire term. This organizes the course for everybody. Also, I arrived 30 minutes early, to ensure handouts are copied, and the computer is set for presentation. This sends a message to the student that you care about the subject and their well-being as well.
Shawnte,
Yes, expectations are important. Students really want direction and order. A well prepared instructor can provide that.
Barry Westling
It gives the students an expectation and allows them to be as prepared as the instructor
Jeffrey,
Right! Students sense the flow and command of a class when the instructor is fully prepared, with all needed materials and resources at the ready. And of course, they sense when that is not the case, which can possibly contribute to less motivation, interest, personal readiness, and even lower morale. Not a good environment for learning I would say.
Barry Westling
If one expects students to take the course and assignments seriously then the instructor should lead by example and excercise proper preparation and time management techniques for the students.
Jaclyn,
Yes, and the degree of preparation rarely turns out to be that much of a chore, it's just overcoming the procrastination and planning to coordinate the resources, lectures, and gather the materials needed. Students appreciate instructors who they feel are well prepared.
Barry Westling
Being organized and prepared helps establish and maintain student confidence in their instructor. If they see that you are flustered or not prepared they will think the class is not important to you so why should it be important to them. Being organized also helps you manage your time better and maximize the content you are teaching.
Christopher,
Absolutely! I believe class begins at the moment of the stated class start time. That means copies, handouts, overheads, PPTs, lecture, activities, announcements -- all this sort of pre-class preparation has to ready ( just as we expect of our students).
Barry Westling
With about 50 minutes of actual class time per session, time fumbling around for paperwork or searching online for subject matter is time wasted.
James,
You got it! A prepared instructor knows what, when, and how, and the students are quick to pick up on it. Preparedness also allows for quick change ups, adjustments for Q&A or other interactive topics.
Barry Westling
Being organized is essential for the students as well as the instructor. It's such a great feeling to begin a class well prepared, it gives you a confidence the flows over into the classroom. The students respond to this positive reinforcement. The opposite feel brought forth into the classroom when you are not ready to go.
