Katie,
Boy, adding extra stress is something most don't need. And you're right, one of the best ways to avoid needless stress and angst is to do the preparation needed for class. Sessions run smoother and students are more at ease when they sense their instructor is readied with all the resources and a winning game plan.
Barry Westling
It is important to be organized and prepared for your sanity. Being unorganized can cause un-needed stress on you and your students. You want to appear professional and in control. Being not prepared shows you lack discipline in the area you are supposed to be an expert in.
Maria,
Students do notice when an instructor is ready for class, with resources prepared, supplies available, everything in order. That gives them a feeling their instructor is in charge and has everything under control, which adds credibility to the setting.
Barry Westling
Being a prepared instructor gains the respect of the students and shows them that the instructor is knowledgeable in their field. Being prepared also eases the stress the students may be feeling.
Fidel,
Readiness for our classes is our job, so why anyone would never be fully prepared should be rare instances indeed. You're right, respect by students is one of the by products of preparedness. Students will appreciate their instructors who put in the time and effort to serve their educational needs.
Barry Westling
Because as an instructor you will earn the students respect. Because they will feel appriciated that you are taking time to make sure that their education is worth while and no time is being wasted. You also need to be organized so its easier to deliver the message that you're trying to convey on to the students. But above all earning your students respect.
Tara,
Very true. As an experienced worker from a particular profession, one way to get away from fumbling around when not prepared is to bring a story, case study, or past (good or bad) situation to share that relates to the topic. Of course, that's only when someone is not prepared, which really should never be, as this is our job.
Barry Westling
It is chanllenging enough learning something new and it only makes it more difficult when the "expert" is fumbling through the material. Also, if the instructor is not sharp and prepared the students seem to lose confidence in them. If the students lose confidence in the instructor they may lose confidence in themselves.
Elizabeth,
I feel so off when the plan I have in my mind for the day is not ready by the time class begins. Actually, I like to arrive at least 30 minutes early, and even before that, I want to be sure everything I'll need is ready. That 30 minutes I commit to student attention as needed, answering questions, or just just chatting to connect and reinforce positive relationships. Students are more relaxed when they sense their instructor is relaxed and ready also.
Barry Westling
It is extremely important for instructors to be organized and prepared for each class. On a personal note, I cannot function anyway unless I am organized. It's important for instructors to be organized and prepared for each class because it shows that the instructor cares about his/her students, wants to help them learn and understand the material, and ultimately, succeed. In these ways, it shows that the instructor has respect for the students as well.
Tessie,
Like a meal, each lesson has to be fresh and nourishing.
Barry Westling
Wendy,
What we convey often occurs through non-verbal cues, and students are quick to detect when less than well prepared instruction is present.
Barry Westling
Anthony,
Yes, and of course it's a lot easier to be enthusiastic and upbeat when preparation has preceded a class session.
Barry Westling
Alwyn,
Mistakes and confusion are likely top be present when a less than fully prepared instructor attempts to wing it. Students will not tolerate that for long.
Barry Westling
Even if you have lectured a topic several times, you have to be prepared for some topics related to the subject matter, that students may ask. Aside from that preparing also means you will be able to discuss the topic in a more organized set up that will make it easier for the students to understand the topics.
Students need to learn from the instructor. If we are organized, the students will try as well.
Organization & preparation immediately communicate respect to the class. That I respect the students, the course and their time sets the "gold standard" for how the students will feel & think for the quarter. I want to model professionalism, because this, too, attracts them to the course's information and shows them how the results of the course (their new skills sets) will be useful/apply to their careers in the real world.
W.H.
If you are organized it tells the students that you are a professional, that you are enthusiactic about teaching and that you are setting a good role moldel.
An organized and prepared instructor allows
1. Students to see that one is organized.
2. Organization reduces chances of mistakes.
3. First impressions of an organized instructor help developed the image in which students will remember. Student will perceive that the instructor is in control and knows what they are doing.
Kristin,
Yeah, we've all seen (or been) the frazzled, harried instructor rushing at the last minute to make copies, get materials ready, and generally in a bad mood due the busy-ness, all at the last minute. Of course, no time for student questions, in fact students likely to be reluctant to ask a question because they see "it'd be a bother". Readiness, preparation, and effort to meet and greet students and conduct classes smoothly, effortlessly transitioning from topic to topic creates a much better learning invironment, with students feeling relaxed, non-stressed, and ready to get all we have for them.
Barry Westling
