By maintaining proper communication, inserting knowledge in the material discussed, while being courteous and approachable. This is the way to represent yourself in this manner, thereby allowing to engage students or class in a professional manner.
Hi Erin,
Great definition of instructional professionalism in the broadest sense. We all should aspire to live and reflect this definition. If we accomplish such then we will be a model for our profession as well as our students.
Thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
Hello Dr. Meers,
Instructional Professionalism is a many splendored thing! I guess in its narrowest sense it may refer to presentation and knowledge but to me an instructional professional embodies the whole package. It who you are, who you present yourself as, in addition to what you know and how facile you are in taking the "temperature" of a group to choose a method of conveying your subject matter in a way that is interesting and meaningful to them. The "who you are" covers your experiences, expertise and enthusiasm for a subject. The "how you present yourself" confidence, accessability, interest but still the ultimate person who is the facilitator and exerts authority if needed. Combine that with someone able to use a variety of teaching methods to keep me interested and explain it to me in away that I understand and, and that is someone who I would want to take a class from - my idea of someone with instructional professionalism.
Hi All,
Your different definitions of professionalism all encompass your dedication to your field and your students. This is what being a professional educator is all about. Great job of showing how each of you is going to impact the lives of your students.
Gary
I generally explain to the students that my standards are not high, they are just what is expected by an employer. I also explain to them that my goal isn't to teach them a "subject" it is to get them hired in the workforce.
I would define instructional professionalism as my ability to understand the course and to get the students to understand. It also involves having a strong command of the subject area.
Behaving in a manner that always places the education of the student at the forefront. I suppose one could be acting unprofessional without knowing it, such as being too friendly with students, to their detriment.
Professionalism in the classroom is modeling the acceptable behavior and attitudes that are expected in the workplace. These behaviors include being on time, using appropriate language, showing leadership, and demonstrating a confidence in knowledge of the subject. Studets need to know that they cant develop and attitude with the instructor because if this happens in the workplace they will probably be looking for a new job. To demonstrate this the instructor cant develop and attitude with the students. Proper dress is also an important part of of professionalism.
One way I define instructional professionalism is the ability to keep your cool when the great lesson plan you had for the day falls apart due to some unforseen circumstance, i.e., technical difficulties, speaker not showing up, half your class is out sick, etc. The ability to have ready a "Plan B" without skipping a beat (& not pulling your hair out) to me would be included in the definition of instructional professionalism.
I define Instructional Professionalism as the way the instructor presents herself to the class. This means having materials prepared before hand, following the rules to set an example, standing firm on rules to not show favortism, and acknowlding when they dont know, but also following up with "but I will find out" so to keep creditablity with the students. Students may or may not like the way you teach but should not have a reason to say you were unfair or unprofessional.
Instructional Professionalism defines the manner in which a teacher or instructor presents himself/herself, as well as the course information to the students. This encompases; the instructors appearance, demeanor, attitude, mannor of communication and understanding of the material to be covered. The instructor must take into account what market they are preparing the students to enter, and must model the attributes that will help the student to be sucessful through out their training and upon their entry into the job market.
I make sure that I always am dressed as if I were in a hospital setting and that I stand my ground on my rules but still have fun with various in class activites.
Hi Deb,
Great to have someone like him in our backgrounds so we can draw upon the examples people like him gave us as we develop our own skills as educators.
Thanks for sharing this example with us.
Gary
Hi Vicki,
I agree. The teaching of the "soft skills" needed for career success is very important. Students need to know that if they are late, absent or argue with fellow workers they are not going to be successful no matter how well they can do the job. So by blending skill/knowledge development with soft skills you are helping to create a well balanced student.
Gary
I recall one of my professors, who was always in class early, always prepared, and with an outstanding knowledge of the material. If we'd get off track he'd just guide us back. He was kind to and interested in all his students, equally. He was unflappable. One time while he was writing on the board, the chalk broke and a piece of it shot across the room like a bullet. Never seen anything like it! It sure startled us, but he just picked up another piece of chalk and continued.
I agree... I can always recognize students that have had instructors that set the appropriate standard for classroom conduct and personal responsibility. I feel it is just as important of a lesson to teach students as actual subject content.
I think instructional professionalism is when an instructor is able to create a forum where students have clear expectations, feel engaged in the learning process and trust in the integrity of the presenter.
Genady,
I like your list. Active learning seems to be so important-get the students out of their seats occasionally, do different learning activites, and ask them how they learn best. Being flexible is extremely relevant in our fast-paced society. Passion for the subject needs to shine on an instructor's face.
Lori
I agree. Real-life experiences brought into the classroom are important, especially for career colleges. I think your second point is another way to state the importance of the well-planned syllabus. Points 3-5 sum up professional behavior well in that the students observe us every class, and hopefully, they will seek out the best professionals to work with in their chosen careers.
I agree, especially with subjects such as Anatomy & Physiology. Students seem encouraged to be able to apply what they have just learned in a mini-lecture to an activity such as a quiz or a labeling exercise.
