An intructor should be what she or he is asking the students to be, courteous, professional, punctual, open and hardworking.
You first want to set an example and model the behavior you are requesting of your students. Setting high standards and maintaining a positive attitude. Talk about role models in the industry, people paving the way. This might be a level some students are not ready for, but Jesus Christ is a role model and modeled good leadship skills. Asking students to adopt those skills and, pointing out how he lived and demonstrated those skills helps to get their minds wrapped around the expectations and behaviors of leaders.
I remain professional and calm no matter which situation arises in the classroom to allow for students to understand that professionalism must always be maintained no matter what situation may come about in the work field. If a student is upset or has a situation that needs addresses I make sure to do it privately or remind them that the classroom is not the time for interruptions.
Setting professional tone in academic environments is always helpful in achieving goals in online environments. Adult learners come from various backgrounds and they need to be listened otherwise, they feel ignored. Accessing students with professional and friendly tones always help these students and they are comfortably move on with their class activities.
Always set a professional tone, and never accept anything less from you students.
Hi Evelyn,
Good step by step sequencing of learning. This way your students not only have the skills but they have the knowledge as to why such procedures are done like they are.
Gary
I feel that it is very important for me to be open to suggestions from my students as to what would help them learn their tasks that they need to perform well in the field. If I am very rigid with them than I feel that this will teach them not to be open with their patient's in the field so they can better serve them and be better Medical Assistants. I also try to use the correct terms in describing a particular task to them , and to use at all times professional language. When I am instructing a student on an injection, I try to use the appropriate terms to show them the landmarks as to where to give an injection. I also strive to make sure that the student knows to provide their student patient with a drape to provide for patient privacy when giving a lower injection, such as one in the gluteal area.
Hi Denise,
Great to hear and glad to hear that this part part of career development is part of your instructional offering. Students need to have the soft skills if they are going to be successful in the workplace and your employers are telling you that you are doing that for your students.
Gary
We are also finding that this role modeling is making for stronger candidates in the workforce. I consistantly get positive feedback from hiring managers on the degree of professionalism our graduates bring to the table. It is very satisfying to know that we are making an impression on the next generation.
Hi Joyce,
Good point about modeling a professional attitude and demeanor when it comes to the nursing profession. This is so important if you are going to be able to overcome the burnout issues that are being shared by the practicing nurses.
Gary
Hi Denise,
You fortunate in deed to be teaching in such a setting. By having everyone on the same page the idea of modeling professional behavior can be seen throughout the campus and this is so important.
Gary
Hi Edward,
The role of the instructor as a model cannot be stated too much. It is critical to establish yourself as a model of what being a professional in your field is like as well as a professional educator. The combination of these two sets the stage for a successful student instructor relationship.
Gary
First being postive about the students choice of nursing as a career and the diverse opportunities available as a professional nurse.
Second always treating the nursing student in a manner I wanted to be treated as a student, able to ask a question and not get a "rolling the eyes" response.
As a clinical nursing instructor is can be very difficult to overcome the burnout numerous nurses are feeling and conveying to nursing students.
I strongly feel that by dressing professionally, communicating effectively and following through with my actions, I am a role model to my students. We are fortunate that all of the faculty in our program of study have the same approach and have the same unified approach in displaying our professionalism.
By, Edward Mojena
The students do look at us as a role model and it is important that we be om Q with how we act to and from our students. With respect, patience and kindness they can to see how its is to conduct not only in class rooms but in the professional arena to.
Hi Adrien,
Well said. Your comments outline what a model should be for the students as the enter the class for the first time and the days there after. They are getting to study with, learn from and observe a professional from their field. It is critical that this person reflect the standards of the field.
Gary
I have been teaching for a few years now, and I am really convinced that, in order to be successful, an instructor should be more than just a "knowledge provider." In this sense, one of the most important roles of an instructor in the classroom is to be a "model." To be a model does not means that the instructor must be "perfect" in every sense of the term. It only means that he or she should show to the students "a standard of excellence to be imitated."
Thus, some model behaviors that the instructor should show to the students in order to help them to succeed in their career field include:
- being on time in starting and ending the class, as well as in returning assignments and providing feedbacks,
- dressing appropriately in and outside the classroom,
- being civil and respectfull of one another, which includes using proper language and manner.
I think these are the main model behaviors that the instructor should show his or her students.
Hi Jeremy,
I like it. I would continue to use this method. It gives the students some good ideas of how to handle different situations and how things can quickly go wrong when not approached from a professional perspective.
Gary
Hi Kathleen,
Great comprehensive approach to starting a new class of students. You understand what an instructor should do and how he/she should conduct themselves. This is what makes the difference in the lives of students. I wish you continued success with your teaching.
Gary
Hi Judith,
You are going to do a good job as an instructor due to your extensive experience and desire to impact the lives of your students. Keep up your attitude and professionalism and you are going to have great teaching success.
Gary
