Starting on Time
I also find this to be a very important point. I make a deal with my students early on: show up on time, and I'll let you out on time. It has proven to be very effective, but of course loses its teeth if I'm not starting on time.
Jeff,
I am experiencing the same thing with my students. I give Professional Points that are earned for attendance, being on time and participation. The points are enough to make a grade difference to the students. This solves the majority of the lateness problems. When I have chronic tardy students I talk with them individually and let them know this will not be tolerated for two reasons. Those two reason are those that you mentioned in your comments, they disrupt the learning of others and employers will not accept them being late for work. It is an ongoing battle but one we must continue to fight for the good of our students even though some of them don't realize it.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I find that this is incredibly important. I'm not sure if there is a generational gap, but I'm noticing more and more that younger students don't find punctuality to be an important trait. I make a point of asking each student why they are late to class when they walk in late. They are creating a distraction for their fellow students and they are creating a bad habit that will impact their professional careers. Everyone has their one pass for the rare occurrence that is beyond their control, but after that, their behavior is habitual.
Laura,
Things like this really set me off. How can an instructor expect anything different from students when that individual is not being professional in time, dress, behavior and expertise? We do set the tone for the class. Good points, thanks for sharing them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree Dr. that we should expect what those in the field expect. You couldn't come late to work, so why pay for an education that you don't get a full session of. Have things at the beginning of the class or end to reinforce the importance of being there. I've seen students coming late to class because their instructor is late.
It is good practice to be the model. I may have always gone above and beyond because I am an extremely early person. I have demo prep and just the overall board writing and classroom (actually kitchen)set-up.
Preparation is everything and you're right, students will appreciate and benefit from it.
I agree, I teach Surgical Tech. as important as class is it is just as important in the work place.
William,
So important to learn early in a career. Our students need to be help to this time format because as you say employers will expect it of them once they are out working.
Gary
I agree that starting on time is crucial for setting the atmosphere for the classroom and is a life skill...highly appreciated by employers.
Hi Jennifer,
This is a good approach to use because it helps students to see that everyone, including their instructor has issues and factors in their lives that can effect things like starting class. As long as the know you have prepared for the class and are ready to teach when you step in the class they will respect you for your effort.
Gary
Hi Tina,
A simple but critical thing to do. Be prepared and be on time.
Gary
I typically arrive about 30 minutes prior to class time, but occassionally run into issues that are out of my control. For example, a last minute copy must be made, but copier runs out of paper and the only person permitted to add paper has not arrived yet. Or the dean calls me in to quickly go over something. Whether it be a break or the beginning class if I'm late by a minute or so I do not lie or stall. I promptly move in to the matter at hand and an explain what delayed me as fast as possible. I figure it's the best route to take when such instances occur, that is, to model that things happen and it's better to not lie or make an excuse that has nothing to do with the tardiness. I hope this will prepare them for things that will happen in the work place as people appreciate honesty.
This displays the instructor's dedication to the learning process and is a model example for the students to follow.
As an instructor for adult student, it's important that student arrive on time. By this I mean 10-15 minutes early, and be prepared to start on time.
Modeling promptness is crucial as this is a necessary skill that students will need to develop in most careers.
I must agree. I teach my student that Punctuality is what to be expected on every job and class is where we set the standard. The motto that we strive towards is...
"If you're early; you're on time, If you're on time; you're late, and If you're late; you're left behind."
Yes I agree as a teacher you need to set a good .
