A key way to model behavior is to be the person you are asking your students to be. For example, if you want them to act in a professonal manner than you yourself have to be professional. If you dont allow your students to have body piercings showing then you shouldnt have them showing either. If you teach students that "out in the real world that wont fly" but then you violate your very own rule, you will lose your credibility
Kristen,
There is a big difference between telling jokes and using humor in a class setting. Humor is a great teaching tool but it must as you caution be used appropriately in order to reinforce the learning that is occurring.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I suppose what subject you are teaching will dictate how entertaining you should be... constant jokes when teaching a "serious" subject doesn't seem appropriate.
Ruth,
I support your position as to the proper dress and professionalism. Often students do not see the value of looking and dressing professionally as they prepare to go to work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I do have to agree with my peers on this one, as several have pointed out being a role model for our students comes with looking the part. In the medical world you either have scrubs or professional dress, in the field of Medical Billing and Coding if you are working from home you could wear your pjs. However when you go into the office it is buisness atire. For me dressing the part for my students is imperitive as the first line they see are the instructors.
Ruth
Sheretta,
Being professional is one of the most important roles you can play for your students. You are setting the standard for the field as well as giving your students a role model to follow. This is what being a learning leader is about.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Always be a professional! Make sure that your students see you in a professional setting by being on time and dressed appropriatly and knowing your subject matter.
B. A.,
This is a must for instructors. Instructors quickly lose control of a class if they say one thing and expect another.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Leading by example is always a good idea in setting a standard for the students. If students are hearing what you say and then seeing a difference in what you actually do, they will quickly access that you aren't real. I think that students are looking for role models that are real not ones that are just putting forward a façade in the classroom and then don't follow through in life.
Levon,
Your comments are right on target in relation to the impact being a model can have on students. It is critical that we give them a model that will lead the way toward their own professional development and career success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By dressing appropriately, being on time, treating students with respect, showing them that we instructors care about them, and being organized, asking questions, allowing students to participate in the discussions. All can shape the students to become true professioanls as they begin applying all their knowledege in actual work settings.
Lavetta,
You are on the right track in trying to get students to see their education in relation to work. In fact being in school is a job for which they are paying a lot of money so they should see it as their responsibility to be there on time and prepared. Unfortunately many students to not see themselves in this light and revert back to high school behavior.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Several ways have already been mentioned such as being on time, dressing appropriately, have assignments turned in on a timely manner, graded and returned in a timely manner. Usually, I try to return by the next class period. If late, deduct points for each day late. Items given as class participation, can not be made up if they missed class. I try to get students to look at the class as their job. You can't just miss work without notifying your boss.
Charles,
I have the same challenges with my students. They do not or will not focus on the soft skills to the point that they set themselves apart from others that are seeking the same positions that they are after. I hit soft skills hard in my lectures as well as activities I have them do. As you know some get it and some don't. The don't then wonder why they can't seem to catch a break when it come to employment. Sad.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
i also am in dental private practice. i cannot believe how difficult it is nowadays to find someone who possess strong "soft skills". its so simple to arrive on time and work. i'm so tired of hearing one excuse after another. it doesnt bother me now bc i'm used to it but i cannot emphasize that students need to have strong ethics ,professionalism and soft skills to be successful. but i think that is something that is ingrained in their character and difficult to change.
Charles,
Soft skills are the center of career development and success so your comment is a good one. We need to help our students to develop their skills in this area while they are in our courses.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
soft skills are very important to me. you need to present yourself in a professional manner. you need to be on time and you need to be ethical. all very important in the dental field
Peter,
Right you are for so many reasons. Be returning projects and quizzes promptly you are showing the students where they are in the course so they can maintain their direction or redirect themselves if needed. Also, this projects a professional image for the students in how to be organized.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Carol,
What a vast background of stories and experiences you can share with your students. These stories help to make the content of your courses come alive and increases the value of the effort being put forth by the students. Keep sharing these stories and laughs with your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Stephen:
Good luck in the role of instructor. It is as rewarding as it is challenging. I think one of the most important qualities an instructor can have is confidence. You need to let your students know that you are in control.
