By showing them how you used the concepts in the past to show them different ways of handling the situations.
Hi Sherri,
Connecting the dots between the classroom and the real world is so important. Often the students get caught up in the internal aspects of the course and their studies they don't see how it all connects to their next step. Your approach helps them be able to see and prepare for that next step.
Gary
My role as a clinical instructor is helping the student apply knowledge learned in the classroom. Behaviors I try to model for the students is using critical thinking about all clinical situations they find themselves involved in. Helping the students put the puzzle together versus having individual pieces helps them want to learn more so that application becomes easier.
Thanks,
SSK
Hi Andrew,
Right on target. Sometimes instructors forget the importance of serving as role models. This gives the students a reflection of what a professional should be like in their field.
Gary
Hi Robinette,
Way to go in being accessible to and for your students. I am sure this greatly enhances your development of rapport with them.
As for your questions about Facebook and other such social networks I am still working through that myself. To date I have not have had any issues with co-workers and employees as "friends" though I do not use this network to any extent due to time constraints.
Gary
Being an example of the expectations that are put forth for the students to achieve is key. Also offering examples and experience that shows the relevence of those expectations for professional character reinforces the behavior you are modeling and expecting in return.
Given the lack of role models in society, I try to make sure the students see me as a real, approachable and caring person. This career is a great choice and I try to bring that enthusiasm to class. I also apologize when I do have 'not so organized' moments.
I find in my profession the environment can become 'too relaxed' at times. The class I teach has only seven students with a lot of lab time. When conversations get a little too personal or detailed, I try to redirect them back to a more professional or even light hearted topic. I do this in a fun, non-confrontational manner. The same is true when their scrub pants slip providing too much detail regarding undergarments.
One challenge I do see is the role of social media. I do not have any of my students as 'friends' on facebook. However, in the work place I do have people that work for me that have asked to be my friend. My accounts are professional and nothing I would not want the students to see, but how do you decide where to draw the line?
I know from experience that developing a good rapport with students is very important. I teach Accounting and Business courses in which I usually am younger than the students. I strive to make sure that I am creating a positive, professional relationship in the classroom. It takes alot of decisive planning to assume role model status when you are younger then the students. However, I make all students feel comfortable and at ease by providing them with knowledge and passion of the courses I teach. After a few weeks, students recognize that I know what I am doing and how much I love what I do. This helps gain the respect of older students in the classroom.
Hi Monica,
This is what being a professional educator is all about. Also, the modeling of expected behavior always speaks louder than anything else. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Some of the ways that I model my behaviors to my student succeed is to start class on time, dress professional, and keeping my lesson consistent. I have found that my student really appreciate an instructor the practices what they speak.
Technology application and problem solving are hard things to master. I try to model this more than anything else.
Be diligent in always showing them the right way, rather than the quick or easy way to do things.
Hi Linda,
I like your approach a lot. By being strict and enforcing professional standards and conduct you are doing such a great service to your students. They will thank you later when they find that they are being successful as a result of an instructor that cared enough to help make them into the professionals they are.
Gary
I am very strict on my "rules" for my students. When they enter the clinical settings I literally tell them they need to have tattoos covered, no piercings, they need to wear deodorant, they cannot smell of smoke. They must not speak unprofessionally...I get many comments about how professional my student appear
While a good strong knowledge of the techniques is very important in my students careers, I believe that it is essential for their future success to have a solid understanding of soft skills. On the first day of class my students are told to treat this class as if it were their job. That means dressing appropriately, arriving on time, treating others with respect,etc. As an instructor I always present myself in a manner that would reinforce all of these skills. That being said, sometimes I feel like some of my students need more than lectures and an example (me) of how to apply these soft skills. For example, when there is a student who is consistently late and/or absent, how do I get it through to them that this is so important? They are graded on attendance and are marked down for being late. I have gone as far as to say to them that if this were their job they would most likely be fired. There have also been outside professionals come in to speak with the students who have stressed the importance of these same soft skills. If I keep harping on them they become distant and I feel like I can't instruct them as well. And if I say nothing and let the grades do the talking the problem stays the same or gets worse. Do you have any suggestions?
As a Chef instructor, I show professionalism everyday in my classes. It's marked by the way I dress, how I conduct myself. By bonding with my students I show them how to conduct themselves professionally in the hospitality business as well.
Instilling in students the importance of being on time and even early to the job. Sharing with them the experience I have and how to relate to employers and other employees. Not to mention the basics of being dressed properly.
The clothing that you wear, being on time or even earlier to your class. Being well prepared for class.
Encouraging students to follow their dreams, despite obstacles that present themselves.
Remind students to look the part. Dress, speak, behave in the manner that someone in their preferred profession would behave.
Remind students that learning is a continuous process. We NEVER stop learning. Especially the instructor.
Be on time and ready to work. Always put your best face forward.
Our school is a uniform required learning environment. I make sure my uniform is always the cleanest, my shoes the shineyist and everything is in its place. When I do daily inspection, it is important that I always project the perfect professional image. This also applies whether I am in class or just walking the halls of the school.
