Michael,
My thoughts are slightly different but on the same track. Be fair, honest and sincere. Give all effort to every class with energy, upbeat, and enthusiasm. Know your topic, and present it as simply as possible. Encourage students at every opportunity. Finally, be there for my students (be aware of them their needs and ways that I can help them).
Barry Westling
Prep work and organization is very key to the teaching and learning process. Having to information organized can allow the class to move fluently and hopefully allow the class to better understand. It's not a perfect world and speed bumps can occur but being unorganized when these things happen can hinder the learning process.
Shawn ,
Credibilty can be a consequence for ill prepared instructors. Readiness will not assure credibility, but without good preparation, it may become an ellusive attribute that once lost, may be difficult to regain.
Barry Westling
If you are not prepared the students will see that and you may not be as crediable to them.
Hugo,
Of course we want our students engaged and involved. Our preparation sets the stage for that to occur.
Barry Westling
I agree if the instructor is not prepared then the students will be care very little for the class and do very little
Lisa,
I think classes just run smoother, transitions are easier, and students are more comfortable and at ease when their instructor is prepared as you have laid out.
Barry Westling
I find coming in at least 30min early, having my plans, board, and hand outs ready, makes the day flow. If you have a large class, as I do right now, when you're late and everything is jumbled, it throws off your rhythm. Also, if you want your students to be on time and organized, and you are not, how will they be able to model?
Donald,
Unfortunately, not all instructors are "polished". That's why hopefully, some see themselves in some of these post and will strive to make needed improvements.
Barry Westling
It is all about polished professionalism. I always arrive early and have my prep complete.
Jill,
I agree that to the student, the instructor is the representative of the institution, and with good preparation, effective instruction that's enjoyable and interesting, and an approachable demeanor, students will be generally satisfied and more willing to express their sentiments in post course evaluations.
Barry Westling
Carlos,
I believe student want and need directions, instructions, and clear expectations about a class operations, This order helps provide a smoother class setting, and as a result, students are likely to be more compliant with the instructor and institutional expectations.
Barry Westling
Roberta,
Students do respond better to the class and their instructor when they see time, effort, and planning has gone into the lesson for the day. Perhaps more respect for the instructor will occur, but that's really incidental to our motivation, which is to be ready to provide the best class we can each and every time it's offered.
Barry Westling
Being organized and prepared for class is critical to being a great instructor. As the instructor, we are the student's mentor. If the mentor is not prepared for class, don't expect your students to be prepared. Your students will be the first ones to say positive and/or negative things to senior management about the instructor. So instructors take the time to prepare for class - it will be reflected with positive/great students who will respect you as an instructor and as a leader.
This will actually help you show the students that you are well prepared and that you know what you are doing in class.
I must admit I cringed when I read this section, as lately I have been overwhelmed with a myriad of additional responsibilities outside of teaching which have negatively impacted my preparation and organization. It really resonated with me that organization and preparation demonstrates respect to the student. I can't very well expect my students to be well prepared if I am not. I will immediately ensure that my handouts are at the front of the classroom, instead of in the printer tray and that I am relaxed and awaiting my students' arrival 10 minutes before class instead of coming in two minutes before class in a rushed manner. I know better and this was a critical reminder.
Steve,
Awesome! That's the hope every instructor ought to have. With good preparation and an abundance of enthusiasm, students should be the recipients of an interesting and informative class session each time class meets.
Barry Westling
I spend a lot of time planning and reviewing the information I plan to teach with the goal in mind to make the information "Come Alive" to the students!
Terry,
Good preparation usually eliminates too many unexpected circumstances. You have a good point about "being ready sets the example for students to follow". Having alternate activities planned just in case is always a good idea should extra time be available at the end of class. One good thing is a review of the days topics. This helps an instructor check for understanding and determine if more time is needed to cover a topic in more depth.
Barry Westling
Bridget,
All of these ideas are great and reinforce the importance of making good first impressions. Good preparation is always worthwhile, especially for students who are the beneficiaries of our efforts.
Barry Westling
