There are several ways to be role models for students: be on time, start on time, answer questions honestly and succinctly. Also, dress appropriately, be patient with those who need more time or another explanation. Be consistent with consequences, rules, and policies.
This demonstrate role models.
Hi Micheal,
Great story! I always like hearing stories like this because my background is much like yours. My parents went through the 4th grade before having to drop out and go to work. But, they were of great encouragement to me and my sisters. When I hear stories like yours I am inspired and I know your students are as well. The bottom line is through hard work anyone can have success but they have to earn it, it is not gifted to them.
Gary
I tell them about my own background; it is one where I did not have a lot of good family examples, but I was able to work my way through to become a lawyer; my father (who is now deceased) was illiterate; Not that all students come from a background of little educational success, but many do; I think they get excited about realizing their goals when I tell them I did it. I act as a professional.
Hi Tom,
Good point. Teachers are models in all that they do and say. We have to always remember this as we conduct ourselves as professionals.
Gary
Our language, dress and manners help students grow
in their own lives as examples.
I was lucky to have many teachers who were good role models. There were a few teachers I had that I saw how distasteful bad language could be.
I will have to learn more to answer your question with intelligence.
By showing them what a professional in our field of fitness should look physically. They should be in shape and show lead by example through keeping up on a regular workout program.
Hi Anna,
Exactly! Many times these behaviors are overlooked by instructors and they can't figure what went wrong.
Gary
One of the easiest ways to be a role model for your students is to demonstrate professional behavior by one’s own actions. Arrive early to class, dress professional. Always be prepared and organized to start the daily lesson.
Hi Melody,
Well said. Role models are a must for everyone entering any career field. They need to know what are the key components of success in their field. By being organized and managing their time well being two of the essentials. You are doing a good job of helping them to learn both.
Gary
It is important that students understand that you—the instructor—were a student, too—and in many ways still are. Students like to know what their instructor thinks and feels about being a teacher, a writer—someone who has passed over the same road they are now taking. I often share my own writing with the class, as they share theirs with me. I will tell me students how I overcame test anxiety, how I developed my own study skills, how I gradually grew to love learning and the learning process. My aim is to encourage the class to become active participants in the learning process, not passive recipients. My history—although not unique—helps them to understand that they are not alone and can share their experiences freely with me and the class.
Ideally the employer should only hire individuals as instructors who are the prime example of prosecptive role models in the work force. This sets higher expectations and standards
My job as a role model goes beyond the classroom because our students will be out in the world practicing as dental hygienists. How I present myself in the classroom and or lab regarding my attire, my attitude, my compassion, my ability to motivate and communicate, my creativity, and finally my enthusiasm directly impacts the dental hygiene student. Being a hygienist for 32 years has armed me with great confidence and competence to impart upon the dental hygiene student.
Role modeling with the above list in mind helps to subliminally effect the students in their desire and committment to completing a dental hygiene education.
I hope to continually encourage my students by role modeling. So much is taught by example and few words.
By demonstrating time management and organizational skills, the students understand that I adhere to the same standards that are expected of them. They come to understand that these skills will serve them well in the fashion industry, and become the skills they need to achieve goals and establish themselves as industry professionals.
Hi Kathy,
You are dead on with your comments. We have to be models and professional in our approach. I have found that the majority of my students do not have positive role models in their lives so they don't have anyone to measure against as to what a professional in their field should look and act like. You are setting the standard for them so keep up the good work.
Gary
I feel the students will see not only how you dress (professionally) but how you treat them (respectfully) and your attitude (positive)of the subject matter. You are most likely the first professional, in their field, that they have met. The instructor's demeanor will be remembered for many years and shape their own image of who they want to emulate.
As a graphic designer, I want the students to get comfortable talking and thinking about design. So when a student calls me over to his/her computer and queries about their design, I will try and get their neighboring peers to help them push the design further. I usually will start by making a few suggestions such as play with the kerning between those two characters or continue to tweak the background, and then I will call on the peers and ask them what they think. Often this results in encouragement and compliments. In short bouncing ideas on a team is crucial and I find this a great opportunity to develop this skill and thus help them succeed as graphic designers.
First and foremost maintaining professional at all times in the classroom. With my students I always give reall scenarios about what we are talking about and what was done by a team member and if something else should have been done.
We do a lot of hands on activities so I always show them the most correct way of doing a procedure and show them not what to do and example what the ramificiations would be if they did it the wrong way. I also think that you lead by example.
One of the ways we as instructors can model behaviors that will help students succeed in their particular career field is to ensure that each lesson is prepared in a professional manner reflective of the particular field. The standards we set in the classroom can imapact the student in their future career field.
