Importance of being prepared
Hitting back on the how important it is for an instructor to be prepared, to be flexable in all area's of teaching. Understand the different styles each student learns the best from, bringing all these aspects together and have great teaching strategies, spell success for students and instructor alike.
Richard,
Yeah, it's interesting we never ask "is the pilot prepared to fly today?", or "is the doctor ready to perform that procedure?". We assume and expect they are. And that's no different for instructors. Students assume and expect we will be fully prepared, and that's how we should be.
Barry Westling
I strongly agree, being thoroughly prepared ahead of time with the course material and classroom management helps create a much better impression on students.
Michael,
Good points. Students expect we will be prepared and although we can role model preparedness, they may pick up on it or not. Either way, it's still our job to be ready, and the more that becomes our habit, better will be the positive outcomes for most of our students.
Barry Westling
The importance of being prepared for class cannot be overestimated. First, it sets an example for the students to emulate not only in the workplace, but in the classroom as well. It helps with student morale and retention. Students will respect a teacher that is well prepared for class and will view that teacher as one that is concerned about delivering a quality education to the students. Ill preparedness breeds stress for the instructor, which the students will pick up on, and most likely will result in the instructor not delivering the day's lesson in a smooth and confident manner.
Nicole,
I often say "there is one curriculum, but many different student personalities, learning styles and backgrounds". So our challenge is to try to reach each student, merging our personality and knowldge base with the diverse body of students on an individual, personal basis.
Barry Westling
As educators, it is important to differentiate our instruction to meet the needs of all students. Being prepared for different learning styles makes things run more smoothly.
Rebecca,
Being a good role model really only means setting a good example by our deeds. We are paid to be prepared, the students are not, so we have to influence them about the importance preparation plays in the career and work life.
Barry Westling
I agree! Being prepared not only helps with class flow, but also sets the example for your students! Lets play follow the leader!
Billie,
There's just no substitute for doing our job, what we are paid for, which includes the necessary preparation before class. The hurried instructor, rushing about making last minute copies, thrashing throgh handouts, arriving for class eactly when it is supposed to begin and spending 5-10 minutes getting "prepared" won't cut with most students for long. When students see an organized class, materials and resources ready to go, and the teacher waiting to calmly greet students as they arrive, with time to perhaps answer questions or even just chat - this creates the setting for "this instructor is ready, and is serious about the students instruction. This, added with interesting lessons from an approachable teacher who students sense care about their learning will be a winning combination.
Barry Westling
