Professionalism
We as instructors should always act professional, because be professional show students how to be in the work field and at school.
Hi Lisa,
So sad but it is a fact. Sometimes it seems they can only learn this information after they have done some damage to their reputation and the reputation of others.
Gary
I have found there is a time and a place for everything, i have seen multiple incidences where things have been posted on facebook and rumors started due to the unprofessionalism of both students and a professionals alike, it's unfortunate they have to learn after the fact rather than listening to people telling them prior what the consequences are...
Hi Carl,
That is why it is critical that the students have a model against which to measure what a professional should look and act like in their field. As we know the social aspects of employment are just as critical as the skill sets.
Gary
I feel it is very important to always be professional as an instructor as it will affect the way students perceive the whole teaching experience
Professionalism implies a respect and courtesy for others in our educational setting and chosen profession. All that you do and say, and the way you present yourself visually either elevates or diminishes your professional image in the eyes of others. In addition, what each of us does affects the way all of us are viewed as instructors.
Professionalism is something that is taught, without good examples the students will not succeed.
This is important in the law classes I teach in our paralegal program. Many of the students don't know about professionalism from talk/speech to dressing for the Courtroom and the power that it commands.
Hi Sarah,
Welcome to teaching! I wish you much success in this new career step. You make good points about how to establish the tone for students. Yes, it is an ongoing process but the more we can offer in terms of professional growth, personal responsibility and social coping the greater service we will be offering our students. Step the bar high and help your students achieve.
Gary
Sara, you hit it right on the head. It is a continual process. Some students come in ahead of the game, and others "find" their way there with the gentle reminders from us instructors and by modeling themselves after good examples.... :)
I am going to be teaching for the first time in a few weeks. Professionalism is one of the topic's of concern for me. I see alot of negative upbringing from many students, how much do we expect to "change" these students in the first class? I see this as a continual growth process throughout the educational program, however, the more we a instructor's model the behavior, the faster the students will learn the changed behavior. Is "changed behavior" the correct terminology?
Hi Migdalia,
Good point. The professional development of these students is just as important as the skill development. If either element is missing there will be a void in the career development process and that will be a great hindrance to these students later on.
Gary
I also agree. We only have about 7 months to help them learn professionalism, and that is why we must make that impression an outstanding one.
I agree with this statement because we need to set an example for our students. They need to know what to expect when they get out into the workplace.
