I think Instructional Professionalism includes providing an example of professional behavior and demeanor, based on mutual respect and trust, for the students to emulate. It also means being the leader of the class, but not a dictator. It also requires verification of currency and applicability of teaching methods and information exchanged, usually through regular, diligent continuing education and exploration. It means motivating students not only to learn but to enjoy learning, helping them learn how to learn and study so the learning continues after the final exam, and graduation.
It also requires being open to contrary viewpoints as well as being able to objectively review your own viewpoints and evaluate them based on sound principles. In general this leads to providing an example of commitment to a truth-seeking and truth-living life, being committed to something even though it may not be popular but that you think is right based on principled, objective analysis. This also requires realizing those principles once considered sound may not be after all, but that there are immutable principles of truth somewhere that we are all trying to find. Otherwise truth isn't really truth, is it?
Instructional professionalism encompasses a number of elements such as knowledge, expertise, dress, your overall presentation. Students are looking at instructors as role models and I try to personify that when I'm interacting with students.
encourage active learning
errors are unavoidable, just work on them
be flexible and prepared to change
show passion to the subject, attention and care to the students
Instruction Professionalism is taking the knowledge you have accumulated and teaching it to the students at the level they will be able to comprehend it, and setting the tone in respectability and accountability you expect from student, should also be applied in return to the students.
My definition of instructional professionalism is to present yourself in an approachable manner that exudes confidence to the students that you are instructing. You make your students unafraid to ask questions by making sure that the environment is a comfortable one for all. You creat a dialogue with students and not just straight lecture.
The complete picture of instructional professionalism encompasses several aspects which comprise the entire package. First of all, I believe that the impression is very important. It is necessary for the instructor to display all of the qualities to their students that will be required of them by their employers. That includes dress, conduct, being on time to class and using appropriate language.
In addition, an instructor must demonstrate professionalism in their knowledge of their subject. That is accomplished by presenting the curriculum content in an clear, concise, committed and confident manner. It is also necessary to stay current on new trends in their field; both in teaching and in the subject matter.
Finally, an instructor committed to professionalism must assume the leadership and control of the class at all times.
I believe that respect is earned. The way to earn that respect is to focus on achieving professionalism and to continually strive to improve.
As an instructor, I believe it is our duty not only to present the material, but to ensure that students are learning it. That is a "no duh" response, of course, but sometimes we think because we have presented the information in a way we think is clear and easy to comprehend our students had the same experience. Part of instructional professionalism is making sure we are all on the same page.
Hi Gary,
Thank-You.
Henry
Hi Henry,
Great definition. I like the way you included all of the key ingredients needed for excellence in teaching in your definition.
Gary
My definition of instructional professionalism is applying/measuring/evaluating the degree to which I as an instructor apply the educational tools, meet quality objectives,assessments of knowledge, and standards as set forth by the institution.
Certainly how you project yourself is key. Not only looking the part of a professional.... grooming, attir, etc. but how you speak, preparedness, being enthusiastic about the course and ones position...... all these things work together to convey instructional professionalism. It allows the student to glimpse their potential future..... what it looks like..... how it sounds.... who it is.
Being on time, prepared, and ready to engage students in a motivational and relevant way are essential in order to create a professional environment for learning to occur.
S. Booth
Instructional Professional is a relative term, the need of the class, the person and the profession.
I define instructional professionalism as: dressing appropriately, being knowledgeable in the subject matter being taught, motivating students, starting and ending class on time, being available to students before/after class for questions, having a passion for the subject being taught and exciting the students about the course material.
Instructional professionalism means that the instructor needs to treat all learners as adults and to apply praise, criticsm, and corrections fairly and consistently. It also means that you should be on time, be prepared, and be willing to admit that you are wrong. I believe that showing the leaners that you are human helps to keep an open rapport and allows them to feel more comfortable in approaching you with issues.
Prof. Phyllis
Instructional professionalism is demonstrated by being on time, and dressing appropriately. Furthermore, I think it is demonstrated through the way an instructor conducts him/herself and through the way he or she treats the students. The golden rule applies here, and being respectful of yourself and others is also a large component.
Students must be led by example. Professional dress, grooming, language and attitude need to displayed first by the Instructor. This instructional professionalism can be displayed in all area's of teaching whether its in the classroom or applying out in the lab.
Instructor Professionalism entails imparting the knowledge that is relevant, concise, appropriate, transmissible, conceptual and receptive.
Hi Robert,
Such an important point and so well said. Thank you for sharing these comments with us. This is what instructional leadership is all about and as you say we can never forget it. We are the standard from which our students are measuring the field.
Gary
