Be well prepared before coming to class
Get the facts together and be well organized, make a checklist of what to cover. Reading lectures directly from the textbook except for references, could be very distractive to the students.
Audrey,
I agree that being prepared the first day of class is important because it provides the first impression of the instructor. But I also think that the instructor should be prepared and organized for each class in order to maintain the instructor professionalism, as well as the respect of the students.
I agree, if you are prepared and know the information you should not have to read from the textbook. You can present information more as a discussion. It appears as if you dont know what you are talking about when you read word for word.
Hi Kelly,
There are a number of "tricks" you can use but one that works really well for me is association. I have the students introduce themselves, where they are from, what brought them to the class and one important item about themselves. The important item can be a hobby, recent marriage, new baby, recent travel, etc. I make a note of that interesting fact on my class roster. Make sure to look at the student while he/she is speaking and make the note after they are completed and before the next student speaks. The reason is if you are writing as they are speaking it appears that you are not interested in what they are saying, thus not interested in their lives and success in the course. You don't need to start a new course with them thinking that.
If you have a large class say 25 students and up I put them into teams of two. They do the say sharing of information with each other and then I have them introduce the other member of their team. That way they have to pay attention to what their team member is saying so they can introduce them later. This is a fun activity and is easy for the more shy students to do. I make my notes about each student so the next time I see or talk with that student I can recall the important fact about them and their names as I am connecting the fact with the name.
Also, use the names as often as you can and you will be surprised at how quickly you will catch the names and get them all consigned to memory.
Gary
Do you have any "tricks" you use to help learn the students names?
Hi Maria,
I like the way you get prepare to teach a class. You are looking at a number of different components and bringing them together as you meet the class. This results, I know in more beneficial instruction.
Gary
I always make a point to prepare before coming to class and usually i give an hour to read and organized any topic that i am covering for the entire class hours. a checklist is a very smart way to have, so you can glance what is the next topic to discuss.
Elizabeth,
I agree with being prepared for class. The worst thing that could happen is that a student needs to correct a instructor for a large percentage of the classroom instruction because the instructor is not prepared for the simple questions that the students are asking.
I once had an instructor who would constantly give an asssignment and when asked for a guide to complete the paper he would say what ever you turned in would be fine. This is also the instructor who gave an essay test and asked for subjective information that was disccued in class and when the test was turned in acknoldef that some of that information was incorrect. But when other instructor looked at the test, agreed the inforamtion was acceptable based on the way the test was wriitten.
Having the roster prior to the first meeting is crucial to a successful first day. To prepare, I not only practice the names, but also have a seating chart and type up small labels for each student. When the class assembles, I call the roster (also asking for corrections on name pronunciations), and place a label appropriately on the seating chart when the student responds 'present'. ...so from the get-go during the entire first class (and those which follow!), I can glance at the chart, and identify the student immediately.
I agree. It is important to know the names of your students and take the time to pronunciate correctly. It shows the student respect and an effort on your behalf.
Hi Robert,
Right you are about needing to be prepared as an instructor. Those instructors in your past earned your respect because they were prepared to teach and you are following their examples. '
Welcome to teaching. I wish you a successful and rewarding career as a professional educator. With your insight I know you are going to have a great career and impact the lives of many students.
Gary
I have only been teaching for a short peroid now but I have been a student for most of my life. I have always gotten more out of an teacher or instructor who was prepared for the class. When we are prepared for the class we are teaching we are telling our students that they and subject are important to us.
Hi Elizabeth,
This is a great ladder of success you have outlined for us. One success leads to another and then another and then another. This is what progressive leaning is all about.
Gary
Being prepared before coming to class demonistrates the how well planned the class is going to be. The more Prepared and knowledgable you are with the material, it makes it easier to interact and get the classroom involved with the content. The more involved your class becomes in the subject, the more your classroom is able to excel.
I whole heartedly agree with all the posted comments. Being interactive with students you know on a first name basis will create a better learning environment and inspire the students to attend class regularly and excel.
Being well prepared for the first day of class is important and i feel trying to learn the names of students is an important part of that. When faculty know students names they feel more accountable and special.
I agree. Courses should be more interactive to involve and motivate students.
