Being prepared = Students attention
Making sure that you have all the materials ready to go for class is something students appreciate. Being prepared and ready for class allows you to start class on time, so you don't waste the students time.
Most adult learners can tell when an instructor is not prepared. The students tend to become restless when they see an instructor fumbling through papers, rambling on and on about an unrelated topic, or simply taking too long to get started. Some students may also see it as an opportunity to leave the classroom and go home when an instructor leaves the room to go make copies.
Hi Karen,
I agree with you on the preparation part of teaching. Not only is it necessary but it really helps to reduce the nerves. I am always amazed when I walk into the copy center at school and see another instructor desperately copying handouts for a class that starts in 2 minutes. Nobody needs to put that kind of pressure on themselves--plan ahead.
Gary
