I think as an Instructor, that if you are dressing professionally and teaching in a professional manner, then your students will mimick your behavior out in the workplace. I always talk to my students about being professional.
John,
This is probably the most important service you can provide your students. Seeing you as a learning leader and model of your career area goes a long way to help students to see that they are in a course that will help them to move forward in their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Some of the ways that you can model behavior to help your students succeed is to lead by example. If the students see the instructor on time, dedicated, passionate about the program then they will most likely fallow in the same footsteps.
Alexis,
The very best way to convey a message of professionalism to your students. This way they can see you both as a role model as well as a representative of their field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have found the best way to be a role model for my students is just to be myself. I'm real with my students; I present my materials in interesting, attention grabbing way while maintaining professionalism and intrigue.
Juan,
Good way to explain how an educator should serve as a role model. You hit on a key point about being approachable. Instructors need to make sure the students see them as role models that they can interact with and learn from not only in relation to the course content but also a role models of their carer field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A professional appearance is always the start. I think you should always have a professional demeanor but that does not mean non-approachable. Inform students that in some cases that you have been in their shoes but through education, determination and professional role models, you were able to make life changes and that they are in the position to do the same.
Gregory,
So true. That light must reflect the passion an instructor has for his or her field and the enthusiasm they have for teaching about it. It is obvious that you have that inner light because of the wonderful compliment you received from your student. This is what teaching is all about.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The beauty of the instructor has to be more than skin deep. The inner light has to be on. When a young man who has been working during the day and has come to night class, says that you are the best teacher they have ever had their whole life, you just can't get a better compliment. It is quite challenging to keep the inner light on at night.
Gregory,
Great comments on the two aspects of being a role model. You are right about it being both external and internal. It is by both that students evaluate the instructor and decide that they do have a learning leader as their teacher.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
There is no question that the appearance and timely arrival is paramount in our profession. My thinking is that the next real role modeling is "can i back up my exterior with the internal strength to deliver maximum content?" I have attempted to always be over-prepared, which gives me plan A, B, and sometimes C if class gets derailed over technical or social issues. More intense content gives students the most bang for the buck. Not high speed delivery but content that works, skill they can use and the clearest method so they can emulate their instructor, to a tee.
Kristiin,
Right you are about how wide a net a role model can cast as students observe and emulate their learning leaders. We need to remember this as we conduct ourselves be it in the school or community setting.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Role models go beyond the every day appearance, attitude, timeliness, preparedness....doing yourself what you expect the students to do. Role models also participate & perform in their field outside the teaching environment. Examples: members of professional organizations, volunteer in professional projects within the community, attend professional study clubs, get involved and contribute to their choosen profession.
Scott,
Great way to make the connection between the classroom and the real world. The more students experience this connection the better because their transition to the workplace will be that much easier and their success path made more clear.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I teach a business class and I treat my students like I would an important client or a valuable employee. Be on time, dress professional, talk to them with respect, provide quality service and respond quickly to their needs. This shows how they should act with clients and colleagues once they enter the profession.
Ashley,
The instructor is always being observed by students so that individual needs to keep that in mind as he or she interacts with students and provided educational leadership. This is why your list of things an instructor needs to do is a good one for every instructor to remember.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Many different ways - such as being organized, starting and ending class on time, being prepared with your lesson plans and even having a back up plan just in case and most importantly follow the same set of rules as you have them follow.
Alexandra,
Great list of ways to stay current in your field and up to date with your instructional delivery. I know the results are experienced by your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Hi Gary,
I always try to keep it fresh too. My field is very dynamic, so in certain classes it is very easy to keep it fresh. Some more formal classes challenge me more, because the content is more "static", so it demands more from me too. I read a lot of Industry publications and try to refer to it as much as possible.
Alexandra
Alexandra,
This is such a great way to look at instructional preparation and delivery. By reviewing both types of instructors you have had in your past you are able to select the methods that you feel would work best with your students and then plan activities around those methods. You are right it is a continuous process because I am still doing it for each of my classes and I have taught for many years. What I find fun about this is that I get excited planning new things to do in my courses and my excitement spreads to my students as well. Also, this keeps me fresh and lets me bring my passion for my field to the students. Has this been your experience as well?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
