A variety of reasons. Most of all, you are the students model for day to day behavior. Having them see you behave in a professional manner signals that the same will be expected of them. Show, don't tell.
Ryan,
It's a fact, aduylt learners expect (and deserve) a prepared instructor, knowledgeable, helpful, and willing to facilitate learning outcomes. To them, it doesn't matter that they might not always be prepared, but that doesn't change expectations for their instructors. I for one, believe we have to be readied and organized in our delivery regardless of the student's level of readiness. We are paid to do a job. The student is paying us for a service or "product".
Barry Westling
It shows our students that we respect them and understand the value of their time. I also believe being organized and prepared gives them a referrence for when they are in the their given vocation, working day to day.
Tamikah,
I think an organized mind makes for an organized presentation. Having all needed resources, materials, lecture notes, and a plan of action for the day's instruction largely determine instructor effectiveness. With readied resources, the class runs smoother, the instructor is prepared for both expected and unexpected interruptions (i.e., student questions), and make more a memorable and more enjoyable instyructional period.
Barry Westling
I think its very important for the instructor to be organized and prepared for class. If the instructor is not prepared the students can see that and will be questioning the instructor ability to teach the course.
In being prepared it makes the lecture or disscussion for the course very easily to give to the students.
Tamikah,
And it's unfortunate that some instructors fail to recognize their students will notice when they are not fully prepared. I wonder if these instructors forget they are being paid to be prepared?
Barry Westling
It is important to be organized and prepared for the class simply it makes the lecture process easier.
The students can tell if the instructor is not prepared for the course when they are seeing the instructor scrambling and trying to find something to start the course with.
Marco,
I'll tell you, having a good lesson prepared with all needed resources readied makes such a difference in terms of having the classes run smoothly, students more attentive, and the instructor comfortable with the presentation and delivery of course material. I don't think many could just breeze in and teach a class without that needed preparation. Well organized instructorss demonstrate their competence by knowing beforehand what topics they will discuss and what supporting resorces they will need.
Barry Westling
I think it is due to a number of concerns that we need to address. to provide leadership, and also to ensure that we lead by example is one. Also we do need to ensure that we have a good sense of demonstrating we are knowledgeable of the subject we are to each.
Doris,
Yes, and I think to some degree, our example of preparedness can lead to students to being better prepared as well. But even more, our preparedness usually makes classes run smoother, more together and efficient, and in the end, achieve better student outcomes.
Barry Westling
I totally agree with your comments about being organized. I know there are days when things happen and if I weren't organized then the class session might have been a disaster. Planning and organization are important pieces of our job. We are also setting the example that our students will follow and carry out. For the student that isn't organized, we can show them steps to take. This is an area that we can make a difference in the student's life. Organization is a life skill that some students don't have. It is our job to help them.
Michael,
That must have sent an awful message to his students who probably wondered how much other "on the fly" material would be in store for them that day.We have just a few opportunities to make good, lasting impressions. If not, after that, students will form undesirable opinions about their instructors.
Barry Westling
I watched an instructor this morning walke down the hallway with his shirt half untucked, clutching at piles of paper for his finals and the worst of it was he was arriving to unlock the door as the bell was ringing for class to start. i can only imagine what his students are thinking.
Michael
Leslie,
Great practice. Students notice the ways an instructor prepares, and some get into the flow the instructor is attempting to provide. Those students are usually the ones that do better in class.
Barry Westling
Shafi,
I believe students appreciate the instructors who are thorough, take time to review their expectations, and then work with students to see their expectations met.
Barry Westling
When I go into the classroom I always have my handouts ready for the studnets to pick up. As I go through my powerpoint I alway reference to the color handout that has more examples.
Be prepared from the day one in the class. Go over the course syllabus and explain all items clearly and the students' responsibility and their expectations from the course.
William,
Yes, we need to be good role models and practice what we preach. I think respect may come with some students, but preparation is required even if the students don't appreciate the time and effort needed to provide good instruction. We have to do our part, the students have to do theirs.
Barry Westling
It is important to be well organized and prepared for class because it shows that you respect them and want them to be successful in the classroom. If you show the students that you take the time and effort in preparing the material they will be more willing to listen to what you have to say.
Daniel,
Respect is important. But even when that is not the case, I think we still owe our students the full benefit of our abilities, talents, and preparation. Using your many years of experience and demonstration items should help provide a satisfying activity for your students.
Barry Westling
