Hi Blake,
Well said. You have captured the essence of what it is to be an instructor. There are a number of roles we play and we need to work hard at being the best we can be in each of them. Thank you for sharing perspective.
Gary
Hi Kathy,
You make a great point. Older students are taking a risk just enrolling in school so they want to feel like they can succeed and that their study efforts are worthwhile. Seeing relevancy in what they are studying is a key point. You are helping them to create a future for themselves by giving them a glimpse of their careers.
Gary
By providing an environment that realistically challenges the student to respond in the appropriate manner required and guiding them, as necessary, to achieve the stated objectives.
Some may ask, "How is the above comment linked to Modeling Behavior?" But if you really think about being an instructor, education, and shaping individuals, it is an imperative to be the "Picture of Success." When you demonstrate to the students how a true professional conducts themselves and make the students apply intellectual rigor to process or demonstration, you will have shown them how to be successful in the future.
The students I teach are older and have not been in a class for some time. I have found that they must see of what benefit this course is and where it fits in the overall scheme of their goals. I find them priortizing family responsibilities, work requirements and adequate rest. To not allow them to see where this course fits, puts their motivation to study the course material quite low.
There are a few ways. I do my best to be on time, to be organized, to be polite, and to demonstrate competence in the classroom and in my field. I come to class prepared to deliver the lesson for the day. I do my best to grade their assignments within 3 days of their submission, and so on.
Hi Gail,
Great job of being and acting as a professional. You may be the first person your students have encountered in their career field. They don't have anything against which to measure a professional so you set the standard. This is so important if they are going to be successful in the future.
Gary
I feel being a role model is one of the most important aspects of my job. Students don't have a clue about appropriate dress or behavior, so I model it for them. I make note in my class of the various organizational tools I use to keep me on track. I always make sure I am professionally dressed. They know what is going on in each class; I never "wing it." I try to teach them that professionalism is an important skill, as much as any other.
Hi Joseph,
You make a good point about the students as well. The instructor should be there on time, but if not the students should inquire about where there is not instructor rather than just break and run.
Gary
Hi Melissa,
Great example of why instructors are role models for their students. They help the students to see that many different groups of people are looking at them and making decisions about their careers. They have to know how to look and act the part of that professional if they are going to be one.
Gary
As an English instructor I stress the importance of literate, written expression, and especially never to use common slang like "thru" instead "through," or "alot" instead of "a lot." As instructors we must set examples of proper written communication for our students to follow.
The instructor must set an example for his/her students. One should never be late--but students ought to know enough to wait patiently for the instructor--or make inquiries before leaving the classroom.
I totally agree with this. If you arrive late to class your students will than think they can. Same with work - if you as the instructor is not prepared for class why should the student be.
In my field I am constantly being looked at by all types of people (i.e. patients, doctors, etc.). So I make sure that who ever I have contact with I am being at my best thru dress, communication, efficency at my job. As a teacher I will definately show this to my students as I teach them and really reiterate the importance of being at your best because like me you will be looked at by alot of different people.
In my classes, I stress the importance of professionalism - punctuality, appropriate behavior and decorum, "know your job and do your job"...I hold my students to a very high standard - as such, I must embody the standards I espouse...
it can be difficult, at times, but it is important to SHOW students how to conduct themselves in the industry, not just tell them!
Hi Verna,
Good points. Professionalism must be a part of both our talk and walk. This is what helps to move our students to the next level in their career development.
Gary
I believe that dressing as a professional in your field is a role model to students. Also, be professional with your interactions with students, begin class promptly, be organized, and students will model these behaviors.
I agree with Elizabeth.
I feel that you can model behavior by how you set the "tone" for the classroom. Dressing appropriately, using professional terms/verbage, and conducting yourself in the same manner you expect your students to conduct themselves hopefully achieves this goal.
Hi Elizabeth,
Right you are. By your dress and language you are building a bridge between the classroom and the "real world" for your students. This is so important for their career success as you well know.
Gary
I believe that the way I dress and the language I use really set the tone for the classroom. My professional dress and language elevate the setting and help students understand what will be required in their career seeting.
Hi Stacy,
Good points. The keys are just as you mentioned clear polices and consistency in dealing with students. This helps to establish the class management part of teaching and the other is good preparation each time you step into the classroom.
Gary
