It is important for the instructor to be prepared to set an example for the student but can also make the teaching experience more enjoyable if you are not frazzled and playing "catch-up".
Stephanie,
Yes, we can create the atmosphere for focus, direction, and effective instruction. You're right that how we present ourselves sets the tone for how the class may perceive what expectations are for them, and we can easily determine how we want that perception to be by prepared and being ready for each class session.
Barry Westling
First impressions as well as daily life lessons mean every thing to the students perception of you.
Everyone observes each other.
Being on time and organized is a great lesson for future work experiences. It also helps the session move smoothly when one is organized. It hurts when you are not.
Lawrence,
Yeah, time is hardly ever on our side. Preparedness and organization are key factors to maximize the resources (time, human, media, facilities) that we have available to us.
Barry Westling
The importance of being organized and prepared to teach is clearly making the most of the time frame that you are givin to achieve the learning goals that are set for the class.
Darlene,
Yes on all accounts. If by being prepqared class brings added respect, that's cool. But some students don't give their respect regardless. So your second reason is most important becasue you are hepling students but also serving your own needs the most.
Barry Westling
Probably the most important reason is to show rfespect for your students. Nobody wants to feel like you are wasting their time and by not being prepared to teach you are sending the message that you don't value the students' time. Another important reason is for me. I need to be organized to feel prepared and ready to deliver the material in an organized and interesting way to my students. This helps me feel more confident when I walk in the classroom.
Patricia,
Right. Students expect their instructors are knowledgeable, skilled professionals. Being prepared and ready to go at the designated time goes to reinforce that sentiment. We have to practice what we preach.
Barry Westling
Being organized and prepared, when walking into the classroom, demonstrates professionalism and that you take your teaching responsibilities and instructional obligations to your students seriously.
Andrew,
Yes, most of us have so little wiggle room in our sequence of topics and schedule that wasting essentially a whole day due to being unprepared is really just not acceptable. It's our job, we're paid to be ready, and we should do all we can to give students a full measure of our instructional knowldge and expertise.
Barry Westling
In our class setting with the lecture and demo one day and they produce the product the next, it is very important to be prepared. The students look to me as the expert to demonstrate the methods of the recipes, if not thought out and prepared, the demo can get lost in delivery and the class losses intrest.
Rebecca,
Also students are more relaxed and confident in their instructor.
Barry Westling
It cannot be stressed enough the importance of proper preparation and organization before class. One of the benefits is that the anxiety and apprehension are lessende and the class is more enjoyable and productive for all.
Carolyn,
You're right, a well prepared teacher is anchored to the promise of a solid, organized pursuit of clear direction, instruction and instructions, and clarity for that class session. How nice to be able to rely on the back-up of the assurance of strength through preparation!
Barry Westling
Barry, not only is good organization good for the students to witness but most importantly it grounds me! It allows me to have a sense of calmness and control which makes me feel as if I can handle whatever questions and classroom situations come my way.
Shawna,
You bet. With good preparation, students are going to be more receptive to the instructor who engages them as the result of solid preparation and interesting class sessions.
Barry Westling
Organization and preparation helps teachers to cover content appropriately and be ready for change ups to alter to student's attention requirements. As well as makes students more confident in their teacher leading to improved class learning enviroments.
Shawna,
I agree and believe we put students at ease when they sense the instructor knows their material, is prepared with interesting and meaningful activities, and provides smooth, enthusiastic presentation and delivery.
Barry Westling
I believe organized prepared teachers lead to comfortable students whom are confident in the education they will recieve. Students trust the teacher to do the best job for the students intrest. I also find the more prepared we are the easier it is for us to keep a class on task and progressing.
Christopher,
Yes, longer classes really need to have that prep time completed before class starts, as all the class time needs to be ready and student learning outcomes geared for a full and productive class. And that won't happen automatically, it'll take planning, effort, and good use of media and resources.
Barry Westling
