Arriving early to class
Goal orientation has to be an objective of all instructors/professors if they want to succeed. Arriving early for proper preparation is absolutely essential for topic delivery of the day. Review, define objectives, and delivery of said objectives is imperitive. A student may be tested periodically, the instructor/professor is tested EVERY DAY. Utilization of extra time before class can also be used to tutor a student who may be struggling with a certain precept. I, as an instructor have not failed if I have extended every learning tool that I may have to the students.
I agree. It also shows the student that you are prepared and ready to start class on time.If the instructor is always late or just making it to class , the students will follow the same tendencies.
Arriving early will help with getting organized and more relaxed i would think. I know if im late im all wound up. The student will see that and will hopefully show up on time as well.
I agree, if we haven't used the entire arsenal at our disposal, we have failed as educators. I arrive at school 2 hours prior to my morning class starting to add finishing touches to a lesson plan or help a student one on one.
Matthew,
It is a simple thing that takes little effort but by being there when the students arrive you get to take the pulse of the class plus you know you are ready to go. This really reduces the nerves.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I feel it very necessary to arrive early. Often times than not, there may be a student(s) who are shy about asking questions in front of their peers. By arriving early this takes the edge off the student to get the extra help or ask questions they were unsure to ask.
Annette,
I agree and think being there before class helps me to connect to students as they come into the class. I think it is foundational to building rapport with students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
We as teachers are professionals and role models. We are trying to prepare our students, to the best of our ability, for the work-force. If a teacher is consistently late it shows a lack of discipline, and instills a sense of apathy in students. You can't expect a student to be timely on an internship site/new job if a teacher can't display these same expectations we have for our students.
It is imperative that I arrive early to each class so that students realize the importance of being on time, or better yet early. In the medical world, someones life may depend on you!
Cynthia,
This is so important and you are modeling professional behavior by being early and showing your students the value of adhering to a schedule. You are right about the saving of a life by being dedicated to the field.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I further agree. Instructor punctuality sets the tone for the course. Punctuality can be habit-forming if modeled for students on a consistent basis.
I agree!! Arriving early accomplishes many tasks. First off I have time to make sure that my classroom is completely prepared and I even walk around the room to view it from all student angles to make sure everyone can see everything.
I make sure that all materials and manipulatives are out and ready for any demonstrations or exercises.
I then greet all my students at the door when it is time to come inside.This shows them that I am prepared and ready for the day. It also gives me a chance to evaluate my students as they come in the door and handle any possible issues before they actually reach the classroom.
Walter,
You are reflecting what a dedicated professional does. By being prepared and there to meet and greet you are setting the tone for the class that is going to come. Doing this each time the class meets indicates that you are going to be consistent in your instructional approach.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I also agree, because for me arriving early, I get a chance to get feedback from some students about how the class and overall school is going.
Jennifer,
This is my strategy as well. I get to chat with the students and take a read of the class by being there early and greeting the students as they come into the class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I can certainly agree that arriving early is important. It allows the instructor time to both mentally and physically prepare before the arrival of students.
I fully agree with Matthew. I drive approximately one hour to get my class, and I know even if I feel like I am going to be late I can get "wound up". For me, this feeling is not conducive to effective teaching. I have also found that by arriving early I am able to more fully connect to the students both as an instructor and as a human. We are able to talk about family, events in the news, and class topics. It really sets the stage for the class that day. Moreover, as presented in the other threads, it is a way of modeling and displaying professionalism.
I feel that it is also very imporant that the instructor has his/her day planned out prior to the start of every class.
I believe in getting to class at least fifteen minutes early before every class. This allow for two key things: 1) allows time to prepare for the class and help students if need be. 2) It show professionalism and set a good example to the students the being on time is required.
