arrive early
I feel that the instructor should always be in the classroom at least 15 minutes prior to student arrival to make a positive impression to the student. It shows that you are eagerto teach and ready to take on the day
Jeanne,
This is the format I follow for the reasons you list. I feel settled by being there early and getting a feel for the class mood while answering questions and interacting with students. Then when the class starts everyone is ready to go including me.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree, by arriving early I have noticed that certain students needing support in lessons will start coming early. They take this time to ask questions before the other students arrive. It also allows me time to organize by thoughts for the day and assess any classroom needs.
Jeanne Angers
Massage Instructor
Katrina,
Great to hear and I know you are going to enjoy even more the rewards of coming to class early. Your presence and availability says a lot to the students and this in turn helps them to become more engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always arrive early however my time varies. I arrive 15 minutes, 10 minutes or 5 minutes before class but this module has given me more incite on what I need to do. I plan on managing my time different after the holidays so that I can make sure everyday I'm at least 15 minutes early. I do understand the importance better now.
Tammie,
Sounds like my approach to starting a class as well. I like to do the same when I am flying. By getting there early I can sit down and get settled in while enjoying some reading. I find that by being in the class early I am much more relaxed plus I get to chat with my students and this helps me develop rapport with them to a much greater extent.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree that the instructor should arrive early. For me, it's a way to leave my stresses at the door and focus on the students. If I am not at least 30 min early it throws my whole day off. I feel like the students can sense my frustrations and wonder if I'm really here for them that day. I like to be able to sit down at my desk and take a deep breath and allow all the traffic issues that I had going to work that morning to be released from my mind and allow more important things to take it's place. It also allows time for organization of the days lesson and for me to be ready to teach on time.
Totally agree with this. Not only does it set the tone to the students, it allows for the instructor to get themselves organized and ready for class. It makes the students more accountable to be on time as well. First impressions are lasting for the students when they see their teacher on time and organized.
I agree and always strive to acheive this prior to each and every class. Arriving early allows me to organize my materials, make copies, log onto my computer and transfer any information on the board that I will soon be covering. It also provides students with an opportunity to approach me individually regarding any homework issues.
Kenneth,
So true. Also, by getting there early I can "read" the mood of the students and then adjust my instructional delivery to correspond to their needs that day.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Getting to the class early as you state Dr. Meers is an opportunity missed for those instructors who do not see the importance or do not make the effort. It let's the students know they are important and allows you to work on those who may not be participating in class to encourage them to open up.
Robert,
This is my method of operation as well. I get to read the mood of the students and get a feel for how the class is going to go that session. Plus, I learn a lot about the students by chatting with them before class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
You have to start the day early not only to greet everyone, but to get everything ready. I like to be 20mins. to 30mins early to be completely prepared. You tend to get a really good feel on where your class is at when you have time to talk to a few people.
Mandy,
I support your comments in a big way since I operate as you do. By being early I am able to get a feel for the mood of the class that day and spend some time developing rapport with them prior to class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Sophia,
So true and so important. It sends a powerful signal to the students about the value the instructor places on the class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree all faculty should arrive to class early and prepared. When you get to class right on time or late then you use valuable class time to do things I feel should have been done prior to the start of class.
I completely agree! When the instructor shows up to class early & is ready to go @ least 15 minutes early, not only does this show that the instructor is ready to go but it sets the tone of the class. Students understand that the class will begin on time & if they're not there important information may be discussed & missed.
"The early bird gets the worm." I have always been someone who gets somewhere early, when I'm late I feel rushed and it sets a "rushed" tone to my day. The same things goes for a class. I want them to know I am prepared and ready to teach. I disliked when teachers were late and rushed in and out before I ever got a chance to talk with them. I feel it allows for open communication when you arrive early and some important bonds with students can be formed this way. I also want to lead by example. I want them to be ontime and ready to go, not late and rushing around.
Arriving early in a must for me. It is the only time get a start for a great day.
Christina,
I feel the same way as you about getting to class early. I want to be there and greet the students and get a feel for the mood of the class. Being early gives me a chance to catch my breath and get focused on the class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
