I cannot stress the importance of being prepared for clsas. We always stress to the students the importance of being prepared for class and being to class on time. If the instructor is not prepared that is sending a message to the students that it is okay to not be prepared. As an instructor we must be the mentor and practice what we preach. Being unprepared sends out negative signals for the classroom environment.
Bibi,
Students want and need guidance. When they perceive an instructor is less than fully prepared they are apt to take less than an active participation and may develop apathy towards the class, as they see that's what's occurring with their instructor.
Barry Westling
It is so important for me to be prepared to teach a class. It can get very frustrated when an instructor does not have the proper materials to teach a class.
Bibi,
I believe students respect thoroughness, preparation and readiness, and by extension therefore, respect their instructor. The opposite is just as true.
Barry Westling
Christa ,
Yes, lack of prepartion is a death knell to any instructor who consistently demonstrates this behavior.
Barry Westling
It is very important for an instructor to be prepared and look ready to teach. For me, it is important for the students to feel that they can trust their instructor and to see that the instructor is serious about teaching. A syllabus helps me stay on track and helps the students understand what is expected.
Being prepared, I feel, shows your students you are not only ready to deliver the knowledge you have but also gives them confidence in you as an Instructor.
Polly,
For many career student instructors, students are paying out of pocket expenses for tuition and supplies. It would be insulting to have an instructor as apathetic as you describe. It almost seems unbelievable. Wow!
Barry Westling
Joseph,
Yes, we can never really prepare too much. Classes are so dynamic, and we may need to plan for more or less discussion, or unexpected, unplanned for events.
Barry Westling
If the instructor is not organized and prepared for class the students will notice! I took a university class not long ago and the instructor came into class and put his feet up on the desk and said, "well, what shall we do today". I felt really upset that he was never prepared. I felt like my education suffered because of his lack of prepardness. I felt like it was a waste of my time to be in his class. I never want my students to feel that way. I always strive to be ready and engaging. I think it makes all the difference!
It is aways better to have your course ready for students to be prepared for class no matter what the course contant is.
Theresa,
I really believe students desire direction and perspective from their instructors, even if they don't really like the work assignments they receive. Many programs and courses involve much rigor to get successfully through the myriad of tasks, assignments, and processes in order to achieve their personal and school goals. Our aim is to assist them in their endeavors.
Barry Westling
Jon (Jack),
I believe respect is an earned sentiment, and certainly solid preparation and giving students a full complement of effort, planning, and time is a reasonable and usually expected charactistic our employers require.
Barry Westling
It is very important for an instructor to be prepared because student will see that the instructor is serious about teaching that course and have a passion for teaching. Also, the student needs to know that their instructor is capable of giving them clear direction.
An instructor that is organized and prepared displays the image of professionalism that the students will respect. If a student does not respect the teacher, learning will be affected in a negative way. Regardless of how knowledgable the theacher is, if they are not organized or prepared, they won't be an effective teacher.
Ramona,
Yes, respect is kind of a two-way street. When we prepare ourselves, are fair, approachable, patient, and kind, students respond in kind. Same is true when these attributes are not present.
Barry Westling
It is important because it sets the tone for the class and show that you have respect for the student.
Annette,
We earn trust and respect from our students, in part because they feel we are there for their success. And to that requires we do all the needed preparation work to convey we know what we're talking about, are a resource for them to facilitate their own learning, and to offer support and recognition for good work when that occurs.
Barry Westling
I agree completely. As a real life-modeled school, it is our responsibility and duty to provide the example to our students. If I'm consistantly unprepared for class, I certainly cannot expect my students to feel secure that they are getting the best education.
Jane,
To add to your post, I don't think many individuals entering career college or the role of classroom instructor appreciate all the behind the scenes work that is required for classes to run smoothly and effectively, consistently all the time. Good instructors want to, and all instructors have to commit to a amount of time, planning and effort for students to receive the maximum benefit we have to offer.
Barry Westling
