If you ever show up and don't have what you say you will, or are not ready to teach what is planned for that day- you might as well not show up at all. They will know of your lapse, and circle like piranhas, taunting each other to be the first to attack.
I find that I am much more easily able to respond to the ebbs and flows of the student needs when I am thoroughly prepared.
I have found that students respond better if you give them a goal for the day or objective that they will be completing before they leave class that day. Students like for the instructor to be prepared in their presenation of that material.
I have found through planning that the students feel less stressed and have a better understanding of what is expected....and achieve it.
In my opinion, the confidence of an instructor is boosted by adequate planning and preparation for classes. An early and comprehensive planning enables me as an instructor to organize the flow of the class content and determine what can fit into the time schedule. It also ensures that i can focus on how much students can gain from the learning experience.
Current Technology fields require comprehensive planning to stay current on many TOPICS ... As methods and advances occur every day
I have found that if the instructor is not correctly informed of what the class is to be about, or the subject matter is not prepared by the instructor, the class has a greater probability of failure.
The syllabus is a great way to keep on track with the course for the instructor as well as the student. This shows the student what the course is, the requirements, what book is used and other important information pertaining the class. How can an instructor stand infront of the class if there is no preparation for the class ahead of time. It would be impossible to teach.
It is important because good planning reduces instructor anxiety! Which is very evident to the students.
Whether you are a seasoned instructor, or a new one, you MUST organize, and plan each day what your instruction will consist of. This is important especially if you feel that you will not have time to completely cover all of the information effectively. This way you can make sure that you are capable of covering those points that are necessary for the student's success in the course. Additionally, the needs of those who are still struggling somewhat can be addressed adequately.
Jason,
Thanks for sharing this example with us. Glad it worked out for you. As you mention this is a lesson for us all to remember--preparation is the key.
Gary
The more an instructor is prepared for a class the smoother the class will run. When an instructor is prepared they feel more comfortable presenting the material to the students which in turn demonstrates a high level of professionalism to the students. Being well prepared is also important because you never know what questions your students will be asking, having prior knowledge of the course and the material provides you with the information to answer their questions efficeintly and accurately.
I will never forget, my very first class teaching Critical Thinking. Ten minutes before the class was to begin, the entire computer network we were on crashed. I looked down at the 35 syallabi's I had, and drew in a deep breath, glad that I printed them out the night before. I vowed right then and there, prepping would be the single most imporant thing I do before every class, because you just never really know what could happen.
Students have enrolled in my class with the expectation of my objectives and goals will have relevancy to their lives. My early and comprehensive preparation for this course will allow me to present the material in a logical and exciting order.
Jeremy,
So true about the loss of respect if you aren't prepared. Good information for all instructors to follow.
Gary
It shows the students that you are well prepared and organized. That goes back to being a professional and a role model. If you give the students a sense of not being organized you will lose their respect.
Daniel,
So true. What have you found to be the most effective way to do your advanced planning?
Gary
Planning ahead is vital for a great comprehensive plan
Sharif ,
So true. They are a great way to generate excitement in the course. They are models of what the students hope to become so they are really interesting to the students.
Gary
Guest Speakers are like an element of surprise in the routinely delivered course. Its helps motivate student to gain realistic/ practical guidance from people working as experts in their fields.
The last thing an Instrutor needs, is to subject themselves to having their students thinking he/she is incompetent. To avoid this planning for every class is of extreme importance.
