Arriving Early
I always arrive early before class to prepare myself for class. I am the same way with my full-time job. It just makes my day go smoothly when I prepare early.
Rodney,
This is how I prepare for class as well. I like being ready to go so I can as you do "read" the mood of the class and make sure I am zeroed in on them for that day. In addition, having time to visit with them informally before class does a lot when it comes to developing rapport with them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree, I usually get to work at a minimum 30 minutes before my class, and several hours earlier if I still have preparation to do for my class because I have found that you never know what will take your time. I usually try to prepare the copies and last minute things the night before though so that I don't have to stress over that the day of and can be relaxed in my demeanor. By taking the time to greet students before class, I've found that you can avoid problems before they happen because you can gauge what is going on before the class begins and deal with it without taking away from class time. It also gives students a positive feeling toward the class even if they have had a bad day if they come to school and have a teacher their to greet them with a positive outlook.
Shiketheia,
I like to get their early so I can take a deep breath and feel like I am truly ready to go for that class session. Helps to reduce my stress level.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I must practice getting to class earlier. We share classrooms, so it's hard to get to a class super early to set up. I most of the time have material needed, but I feel I am rushing to class. Must get better with this part.
RICARDO,
My policy as well for the reasons you state. It is so much easier to start a class off when I know everything is working and I have everything I need to conduct the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I completely agree with arriving early to class. You should always be prepared before your class arrives to class. You want to set a great example for your class that it is better to be early than late.
I could not agree more. I find that arriving early to check the equipment allows me to trouble shoot and resolve technical problems before the class begins. A minor glitch can cost you valuable class time if it is not addressed beforehand. It also reflects poorly on the instructor and the department if a problem develops after the instructor arrives late. Ricardo Richards
Aside from that it can show the importance of the soft skills they will need to be successful in real life. It is hard for me to believe that some college age students do not always get that, but it is a good way to lead by example.
I really like this quote! I have a group of students starting their clinical rotations in the next few weeks and I think that this statement may make a great impact on the students and hopefully stick with them as well. Thanks
Jeanie,
A simple thing to do that yields big dividends.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I couldn't agree more. It gives me time to get all my materials set up and think about the class. Also, it allows my students the opportunity to pop in and talk to me because they know I am always early.
I agree with you Ebony. Instructors should always arrive early. It demonstrates to the students that your class is important and promptness is crucial in the real world. It also allows me to collect my thoughts and materials for the day as to not forget to cover something in class
Just as demonstrated in the video we watched. Chatting with the students before class lets them know you are a person, you care about them as individuals. It also creates that comfortable and secure learning environment that students need to learn more effectively. Arriving early and being prepared should be a baseline.
Joan,
I agree and these are the reasons why I arrive early for each class. As a result of being early I know I am ready when the class starts and I have a feel for the mood of the class and can react to that mood.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Arriving early is setting an example to your students on how they should conduct themselves and this will carry over to any job that the student gets upon graduation. Employers expect good time management and an instuctor can teach this concept from example.
Arriving early has a two fold benefit. It allows me to set the tone of the environment. When the students arrive they are immediately met with an inviting learning atmosphere. The plan and objective for the day are outlined on the white board. This is a very effective class a management tool. It provides no time for students to get off course
Hugh,
Good point about it being a two way street for faculty and students. After all we are in this learning situation together so lets be respective of each other and look to the common goal we are working on.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Early is a good habit. Too many of us have had profs that think the world revolves around their schedule. If you expect me to be in my seat when the class begins, I expect the same from you.
Barry,
Good point and one we need to remember as we are setting the standard for our students as well as serving as role models for them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
