Prep Time vs Procrastination
I have found so far in my carreer that early prep time makes life easier on not only myself but my students. Start early, take time to make up master copies of handouts, and print them up early. I find that if I plan ahead say at least 1 rotation and have a general amount of information pre printed, I just count what I need hand that out and refill my files.I can spend more time this way making sure all is accountable in my class room prior to class time. I have procrastinated a few time and it has come back haunt me, running around, not preped, and the students see this and feel that you are unorganized. They get the feeling that if he can't prepare for class how can he prepare me for my future. So I arrive early and stay late if needed and make sure my students needs are met.They are infact my customers and deserve the best possible education I can give, as it will be later a reflection of myself.
I agree , good prep is essential not only to keep your stress level down , but also gives the students the right perception .
True....True....
I too have been a victim of my own laziness and its embarrassing to myself and the school. I usually arrive at least 1/2 hr if not 45 min early daily as to not make these mistakes again. It not only looks better but is ultimatly less stressful as an instructor as well if nothing is a surprise.
I feltlike you were describing my experiences over the years with three different teaching lives. Having the master set of handouts for the class and even the class to come makes it so much more predictable. I cannot count how many times when even the newest digital copier would left myself or another instructor down when we needed 20 quick sets of this or that....
Having just an extra set vs the just in time method really makes a difference in lowering the street levels...
good prep is essential but having demonstrations where these things are in the classroom is just as important
I agree with what Mark says and try to follow his procedures. In addition I try to get to class early to work with the instructor that precedes me so that we can stay together on what is covered each day, and stay consistant on what we are teaching. For me an additional benefit is that when my class start I am already in the swing of things , focused, and relaxed.
I whole heartedly agree that arriving early allows for me to focus on my plan and review what the day has to offer.
I need to get to the clinical site one hour early (5am) to find patients for my students, review the surgical schedule, review charts for patient appropriateness for the students, and most of all to have my morning coffee, preferably IV!!
If I am late and cannot get these things done I feel like I am trying to catch up for the whole day.
