I define instructional professionalism by being patient with all students and accounting for the fact that not all of them will be on the same learning level. One must maintain composure and not get frusterated with a slow learner, also, not to take it personally if the class is not of particular interest to one student.
Also, being accountable for yourself as an instructor and setting a good example of being punctual, dressing and acting appropriatly and not acting as though you know the answers to everything. I "humanize" myself by telling students up front that I do not have all the answers, but we will learn and find the answers together. I tell them that in a professional setting, there are always going to be times when you need to ask for help and admit you dont know the answer. That is true professionalism.
Hi Dian,
Good points all about how to engage students in the learning process. Your last point captures something that all instructors need to work on and that is providing opportunities for the students to see themselves on a success trail. This way providing motivation will help to keep them enrolled and moving toward their career goals.
Gary
Combining instructional style with personality and professional approach is key to developing methods and presentation that encourage and motivate students to learn, and to build that all important rapport. In online teaching, this can be a challenge...in particular when the instructor or students are not immediate to the physical college location. As an instructor, it requires dedication to know your college and colleagues, to make an extra effort to stay involved. Even more important is creating a teaching environment online that supports avenues to know your students and invite them to feel comfortable knowing you as an instructor. I've found that providing a depth of grading comments to support and help the transfer the application of learning to each student is a valuable tool to engage each one of them as an individual, rather than a name on the online roster! All of the 3 M's in Module One are important, but perhaps Motivator is one that I've seen most important for retention of online students.
I instructional professionalism is the way that you present yourself in class. You need to dress accordingly and act professional in your class for your students to mirror your behavior. You need to apply your knowledge in the field to your instruction in the class.
I believe this is one area that some instructors don't understand. If one insrtuctor lets thier class get too far away from the standards and these students next teacher holds thier class to the standards, this new instructor is already in the dog house because of what the first instructor did or did not do.
I feel Instructor professionalism goes beyond knowing the material. It includes how the instructor controls the classroom and interacts with thier students. Another part I believe to be part of instructor professionalism also deals with the way the instructor treats fellow instructors. Not bad mouthing an insrtuctor or class to students foe example.
Instructional professionalism is always being prepared. It is important to lead by example by arriving on time, being prepared and return graded material in a timely manner. Instructional professionalism is being approachable without being the students pal. Students have to feel confident that you know what you are talking about, comfortable asking for help and enjoy learning!
I think that instructional professionalism encompasses everything from technical competence, the ability to communicate effectively in the delivery of instruction to how we present ourselves to our students.
In my opinion, instructional professionalism does not have 1 single definition. I would look at it as pertaining to not only how I dress for the class, but also how I present myself. Respect others, students and fellow instructors. Bring information that pertains the the subject we are dealing with in the classroom. Its a combination of multiple things that deal with the way I present myself and interact with the class.
Being knowledgeable about your topic, staying current in your field of expertise, gaining daily knowledge on your own about your subject and your instructional abilities from self-evaluation and evaluation of others
Being on time to class, being a role model to your students, motivating, and engaging with the students
I would define instructional professionalism as: the overall need/ability to embody a professional demeanor at all times while in the classroom, and while dealing with students. As the module was stating, the students look to you as a model for the subject matter they are learning. If they see someone that is unprofessional, they are going to assume that that is the acceptable conduct for their field. By portraying a professional attitude while instructing, you set the bar for them to follow.
To me, instructional professionalism is:
Within the classroom, conducting yourself in a manner that is conducive to learning and in which a rapport is created to maximize student learning.
I define instructional professionalism as representing and communicating my practical experience and technical knowledge of the field to students in a thoughtful and honest fashion.
I appreciate your struggle as well. There is certainly a learning curve as a new teacher. When we first start teaching, we are so idealistic. Then time passes and and we begin to understand the reality of dealing with real-live students in the classroom.
I have high standards for my students but I also understand that different students learn differently and at different paces and they display that knowledge in different ways. I have learned to compromise with assignments and assessments. That "A" work does not look exactly the same for all students.
As you said, it is a daily battle. or perhaps a semester battle because I we are introduced to a new set of students each semester and it takes time to learn their capabilities and competencies.
It is bringing instruction to students in a manner they can relate as well as beginning and ending classes on time, utilizing proper grammer and language, relaying the lesson in a competent manner, not being thier best friend but showing empathy and understanding, and dressing as a professional.
We must show them how to behave and dress in the workplace in order to achieve success to increase lifestyle for families.
I am new to teaching but have been in the healthcare industry for 30 years. During those years professionalism was regarded very highly and was something as a leader we were held to daily.
In general being a role model for your student. Dress, atitude, Knowledge and of utmost importance - enthusiasm.
Instructional professionalism is carefully considering the how one models, manages, and motivates. Having taught in a variety of academic and corporate climates, the approach taken varies depending on the outcome expected. Being open to change and evolve is key to being an instructional professional.
Instructional professionalism is modeling the behavior and strategies that you expect from your students. This also includes projecting your knowledge of what professionalism looks like in the field you are teaching.
