Owning it
A teacher I know told me to arrive 30 minutes before the class starts because then you own the enviroment. That way when the students begin to arrive its conveys them you are in charge.
I also teach part time and agree that arriving early gives me the time to "switch" into instructor mode. My students know that my time on campus is limited but they can come to me before class for questions or concerns.
Connie,
I think this is a good strategy to follow. Early arrival is intended to be of benefit to you and how you get settled in so the time frame is up to you. Sounds like you have found a model that works well for you. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a dental assistant, I totally agree with this. One area of difficulty for me is my day begins at 8am. my class also begins at 8am. so i arrive early to get 'settled in', grab my folder of materials (prepared throughout the previous day)and textbook and get to class by 8. i found that when i came in 15-20 minutes early to be in class prior to 8, it became discouraging and a morale killer to work for 'free'. so 10-15 minutes is my limit and that gets me into class by starting time.
Paula,
So true and this is why you have to establish yourself as the learning leader on the first day.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree, because otherwise the students can get their chance to set the tone, which can at times be hard to overcome.
Christina,
This is so important for students to realize and make a part of their work habits. I talk a lot to my students about "branding" themselves. Just as Coke is a brand a student is a brand of one so why would someone want to hire that brand? Being early and prepared is one of those reasons. Many people have the specific skills of the field but lack that little extra "branding" that goes with demonstrating that they are professionals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In dentistry, it is always a good idea to get the students in the habit of arriving early. When a patient is scheduled at 8am, an assistant will need to have the room ready, the anesthetic warmer turned on and have all the sterilization areas ready to go before the first patient even walks through the door. So you are not just helping to create a good student, but preparing them for great employablility success when they show they are going above and beyond to be prepared for that day. It makes the stress levels in the office go down and makes the patient feel special that you were there early just for them! It also shows the doctors who the leaders are in the office! All around good habit for any job! Christina
Kim,
Good point about preparedness. We instructors need to be prepared and ready to teach each and every time we step into the classroom. It is unfair to our students if we aren't plus we are not being professional if we don't come prepared.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree being ready for a class helps in all respects of making the class feel more at ease. When there is less tension in the room it flows in a more smooth and restricted learning enviroment. People feel and uneasiness that is in the room and react to it.
Richard,
I think arriving early is such a great way to get your mind set for the upcoming class. You are making a major switch and being early lets you make the switch and get your "teacher hat" on and be ready to go.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I teach only part-time. Arriving early to class provides me time to switch from the mindset of a project manager to that of a teacher. It also provides me time to help students that are seeking help.
Being early not only helps show your students you are in charge. It also helps you be a better role model. When you show up early and prepared for class.
Karen,
Right you are. This is how you get and maintain the learning environment.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is also a great way to model professionalism and being early allows you to better manage the class as you have time to fully organize yourself, and the room's environment the way YOU want it to be.
Donna,
Being early lets you get settled in and "read" the mood of the class. I need to be early to my classes so I can mentally set myself up and be ready when it is time to start class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I totally agree, if you as the isntructor are in class early and prepared then it sets an example for the students. Nothing worse then running late and then trying to play catch up
Jacki,
Great point. What can an instructor expect if he or she comes to class unprepared. The class is going to fall apart and it is their fault not to mention that the students are being short changed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Their is nothing harder than trying to connect with an instructor that isn't prepared. Be eager to teach and they will be eager to learn.
Amy,
I agree. An instructor needs to own the room or lab. That means students realize that there is not place in the room that the instructor cannot see or will not walk to. By being early you are welcoming them to "your" setting and that is important for them to understand.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
