Rodney,
Well said. An organized instructor projects competence, and classes run smoother too.
Barry Westling
Being organized and prepared for class lets the students know that you are serious about them learning the material in the course. Also, it helps you to prepare for your presentation and deliver to the class.
It helps to let students know that the instructor cares about the content and is capable of running a class as a professional - just like many of these students will see when they get hired in their field.
Roshally,
Very true. Competence and confidence go hand in hand. With good organization and solid preparation, classes should run smoother, and students will detect that these classes are being led by competent, knowledge, and ready instructors.
Barry Westling
Being prepared and organized boost ourselves convidence in presenting the materials and students will engage better.
Linda,
Yes, and when we lead by example, that requires a regular and consistent example that can't be sporadic or just "occasionally organized.
Barry Westling
David,
Nice rationale for an important mindset towards readiness for classes.
Barry Westling
The first reason would be so you don't embarass yourself. The second reason would be to show respect for your students. The third would be to assist yourself in class management. If you cannot manage your class, your class will manage you. An organized individual sets an example for all that witness them. A professional is always prepared. So to be unorganized and unprepared is to be a novice. Do you want to be a novice or a pro?
Instructors are also role models. We want our students to be organized and prepared for class and we will preach to them that they will have to be once they enter their career field. It is important that we lead by example. This also sets the tone for the class. If it starts off rough and all over the place then the entire class will be thrown off.
Maureen,
Students appreciate and benefit as the result of the time, effort and energy instructors put into their classes in order to be ready for their classes. It also provides a comfort to see their instructors are ready to instruct, to help, and to be available for their students.
Barry Westling
the instructor must be organized and prepared for class to ensure a good learning environment. a good learning environment is essential for learning
William,
Prepared and organized creates positive results, satisfaction by both instructor and student, and creates a learning environment consistent with the level of professionalism most instructors want to experience for their students.
Barry Westling
I have seen the effects of both walking in organized AND staggering in disorganized. The student evaluations reflected it. Now, granted, some of the disorganization was institutionally or technologically inspired, but most wasn't. Organized is definitely better!
Michelle,
Anxiety is really rooted in fear. If we are prepared, there is little to fear about our lessons and readiness to deliver outstanding memorable class sessions.
Barry Westling
Being organized and prepared helps to reduce my anxiety when teaching a class. I have always gone by the motto: "Fail to plan, plan to fail". I encourage my students to incorporate that same philosophy into their preparation for the course. If they go into a test knowing they have really studied hard, not only will they know the material, they will be less anxious when testing.
Cameron,
I always like to be early, at least before students arrive. I get all my "stuff" in order, outline and objectives on the white board, and I usually write a daily quote or inspirational saying. Then, as students arrive, I have time to answer questions, ask how they're doing, or just chat to help establish rapport. When class starts, everyone knows, "time to get down to business". None of this happens by accident.
Barry Westling
To set an example, set the tone of the class. If you come in unprepared and disorganized you are showing your students that they are not your priority and you don't need to be theirs.
Suzanne,
Students will always respond better when they are in an atmosphere that's upbeat, energized and with an enthusiastic instructor.
Barry Westling
I agree completely. By being an organized instructor the students show enthusiasm, support of topic being presented, and their behavior will be focused.
Nancy,
Yes, and playing catch-up sets an example that students may feel they aren't getting the whole of their educational experience due to unpreparedness of their instructor. Whizzing through material is certanly not the best way for anyone to learn.
Barry Westling
