Role Model
How do we become a Role Model for todays students.?
By Eric Andre
Teacher are always role model in the eyes of the student, specifically in the professional career, we need as instructor to act as professional teacher and professional in our field.
I think we must be a role model from the moment we park our car to the moment we leave the building. I sometimes discuss in a professional manner the many aspects of my life I am juggling (going to school, working, etc.) so that students can see that it can be done. Presently, students need real life role models, even adults, because the media is not assisting. It is our duty to believe in what we are teaching and act accordingly
Hi Katayoun,
Good points all but the last statement sums it up best. Character does count for all that we do as professionals in every career field.
Gary
It's a long list of responsiblities we must own.
I will sum it up by stating, we must behave like resposible, considerate, and loyal ADULTS. Knowing that every action plants a seed into another person's life. We are continuosly teaching our surrounding.
I think you are right. We must be aware that students are learning from us no matter what we do. They learn preparation, professionalism, puncuality, responsibility, character, strength, communication, solving problems and confronting weakness, along with the subject we teach them. They are closely observing us. I conclude by stating Character counts.
There are alot of great comments on this. I also find that it helps me, and my students, alot when it shows that I have fun with the subject, it really seems to reinforce the passion I have for the subjects I teach. The class gets very involved, and they seem to learn alot without conscoiusly knowing it at the time.
with having a good characteristic, if you be just yourself and be honest with them they will love it.
Hi David, Just a quick note that just by stepping in front of a class you become a role model. The real key is what kind of role model are you? One of the respondents made a very good point of having a passion for what you are teaching/ I do not look at teaching as a job but as a vocation. Follow the standards set by your college, show passion for your subject and demonstrate that you care about your students and their success and I believe that you cannot help but be a good role model. Tony Cesana
David:
I completely subscribe to the Canon Corp. motto "Image is everything". Even today's students have an image in their minds of what a good teacher should look like and act like. I believe that that image hasn't changed much over the years. I say present the image you believe to be a good role model. Today's students will respond positively to that, I think.
Hi Ellen,
Thank you for the comments concerning dedication to teaching and how we must have passion for what we are doing as a part of our modeling behavior. As a part of modeling we need to give a clear and realistic picture of what the students will be facing as they enter their career field. Instructors can do this by how they dress, speak and conduct themselves. As you know teaching is not an isolated act of just giving content, but a total package of professional, technical and personal skill development.
Gary
We demonstrate through our every action that standard that we wish to see in them; behaviour, language, communication, appearance and attitude. Easy to say, difficult to do.
The balance of how transparent to be is sometimes tough and I find it changes with differet groups. Publicly share the 'how you want to be in any given situation' (more theoretical - especially in an ethical dilemma), and privately with a personal story of a dilemma you faced. If you blew it you could share the negative consequences affecting you because of your mistakes or struggles. Does anyone else have any good suggestions?
Great question. I think there is a level of transparency that is necessary in any given instructional situation. I think the instructional model we are working with more today is the "old school" (really old school) method of 'mentoring'. I think this is why private post secondary is working well for students.
If we have a passion for our field, and face it most of us would not be teaching / instructing unless we had an amazing passion for what we do, if we can pass on the love we have for our field, and are honest about the likes and dislikes as well as our own challenges I think we can be a more realistic model for our students.
Any thoughts?
Hi David,
By reflecting and portraying the standards related to the career area for which the students are being trained. This should include behavior, dress, language and ethics. By not only instructing the students so they gain the technical knowledge and skills of the career they will have learned about the professional conduct that is needed for success in the career as well.
Gary
