Hi Lisa,
Good definition and one that has real application. If students can understand the content in a way that shows them relevancy then you will have done your job.
Gary
Hi Jennifer,
I love hearing success stories and yours is one of them. By working hard at developing relationships with the students as the librarian you had a head start when it came to being their instructor. It just goes to show that kindness and respect works in all settings. Keep up the good work you are doing with your students, you are impacting their lives.
Gary
I define instructional professionalism as being prepared in the classroom, being in the classroom 10 minutes early with objectives on the board, dressing as a professional (as you would in the industry), respecting students and their ideas, being involved in the community, and continuing to stay current with advances in the field.
To me, instructional professionalism is one who has a definitive concept in their area and can relay that information to their students in a format that is understandable to where they actually learn and can apply the material versus just memorizing.
I am the librarian at my small campus and, as such, have cultivated a less formal relationship with my students. I have wanted to be approachable so that they will utilize library services. I've been successful at that - students will often stop by and chat with me about what is going on in their courses, and they know me on a first-name basis. Now, I am an instructor, teaching a class designed to give students information literacy skills. Going into the class on day one, my students already knew me and were comfortable with me - almost too comfortable! I had to set a classroom standard with them regarding discipline, and a time for speaking out versus a time for listening to the lecture, and generally keeping the class on task. Everyone's comments here are extremely helpful to me as a first-time instructor with virtually no training in classroom techniques.
Hi Jon,
Great definition of what it is to be a professional educator. Keeping the student foremost in our minds as we plan and deliver out content is what keeps them engaged and focused on learning.
Gary
Choosing to engage with the student in such a manner that it is placing the student's long term success over the intructor's level of personal comfort. Rising above your self in order to offer the student what the really need and being willing to engage with the student in a way that his/her needs are known and understood.
Instructional professionalism to me starts with how you dress and conduct yourself in/outside of the classroom. It is also knowing the courses you are teaching and the profession outside the classroom within the real world.
Hi Betty,
All key components of reflecting what a professional educator should be. These characteristics provide a model for the students in the class as well as for the field.
Gary
Hi Richele,
Great list for all instructors to follow. If they do then they will be reflecting a professional appearance and attitude.
Gary
Instructional professionalism is my ability to deliver the subject matter and being able to evaluate the level of retention. In addition to how I set up my classroom and the way I dress, instructional professionalism is how I interact with the students and my knowledge and preparation in providing learning environment for them.
Instructional professionalism can be displayed by confidence of the subject matter, professional dress, behavior and speech . Being fair,and on time. Being consistent and clear. Giving and gaining respect for the adult learner.
Hi Richele,
Well said. This is what it is all about and you have outlined it clearly in your comments.
Gary
Instructional professionalism is displayed by confidence in the subject matter, professional dress and speech (including body language). Fairness giving and gaining respect of adult students.
Hi Joanna,
Great way of defining instructional professionalism. This is what being a dedicated educator is all about. I know your students are benefiting from your organization, preparation and delivery of content and role modeling. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Before reading Module 1, I would have said that intructional professionalism, was just how you were in the classroom. This would have included how you followed the campus rules for the classroom, how you constructed the classroom, and how you taught the class.
After reading Module 1, I realize that there is so much more to intructional professionalism that what is listed above, so much more. It can be seen in the little things such as your apprearance, time management, how you sent up your classroom, how you prepare for class each day, and even how you interact with each individual student. Everything of what it means to be a "teacher" is incorportated in instructional professionalism. The degree in which you are a "teacher" shows through your instrctional professionalism.
Hi Thomas,
Thank you for sharing this list of what instructional professionalism is all about. This is what we instructors need to strive to do as we develop our relationships with our students and impact their lives.
Gary
Instructional profressionalism encompessed many things.
Being preapered for class.
Knowing your material.
Arriving on time but earlier the better.
Having your room set up prior to the class staring.
Follwing the syllubus
Treating each student with respect.
Instructional professionalism involves projecting an
image to the learner of confidence, concern, and knowledge. Professionalism involves proper dress, conduct, and the handling of student concerns.
In addition, instructional professionalism involves maintaining current in one's area of expertise.
Instructional professionalism means having respect for the student. An instructor should model behavior and present material that enhances the learning experience.
