I define it by behaving like you do if you are working in a professional job. I dress appropriately, start/end class on time, always give students the agenda for the day, keep my word on breaks, ask them to participate in small group discussions and activities and maintain a relaxed atmosphere. I believe being an effective but fun leader is important. I also show them a sense of humor that is tasteful. Kristine
Preparation is vital; definitely knowledge of the material and being able to explain the lesson in a manner where students understand. Attire, attitude, and attendance is also important. Instructors must set the standards for students to follow.
Professional competence is the ability to plan instructionally, deliver content, and assess student learning.
I define instructional professionalism as serving as a role model for students by putting your "all" into the course and treating them with respect.
I define it as being a role model for my students. I give them the full benefit of my expertise gathered from being in my field for 20+ years. I treat my students with respect and they return that respect to me.
Hi Laura,
This is a great way to keep professional development a key part of your growth. You stay current in your field as well as expanding your instructional abilities. This is going to result in you having a rewarding career as an instructor.
Gary
The definition of instructinoal professionalism starts first and foremost with the instructor. The need to dress professionally or in dress that is appropriate to the course you are the instructor for. You need to start with the method of the instruction whether it is on line or in front of a class. You need to have a good handle on the information as well as up to date changes that have occurred. You need to serve as a model to the students, being on time or early for the class, and prepared for the lesson that will be occurring. If it involves demonstrations on a particular subject than you need to have time set aside for the demonstrations but still have time for those that may need additional time for learning. You also need to keep the plan open in some areas for those students that may need additional time working on the information or how to make it work for them. You also need to keep an open mind for those students who may not learn with your teaching style.
Well spoken Laura. As instructors, it is very important to continue growing and learning. Like you, I've always wanted to continue learning, taking courses and redefining myself as a professional.
It is especially important in an online environment. Technology advances so rapidly now, to ignore education is to invite stagnation and isolation.
Enjoyed reading your comments.
Vicki
I teach courses in a field that is in constant motion. I have always had the opinion that my ability to instruct students in a professional manner needed to be in motion as well. In that I should never stop learning, growing and changing to improve my methods. As my students change and the world around us changes so to should all instructors. I never want to be finite or stagnant, which is why I am so glad my institution has allowed us the opportunity of these courses.
Instructional Professionalism is possessing knowledge of the subject at hand, being able to present and represent your craft both in and out of the classroom, making yourself available to your staff and students alike, and delivering the material in multiple ways so that everyone can learn.
Instructional Professionalism has several parts. Primarily is the presentation of one's self. This includes the knowledge of what the instructor is teachng, the proficiency in delivering the material and how it's received. It also includes the way one presents themselves as the induvidual and the professional running the class.
Patricia,
That's an aspect I did not consider but really agree with your statements. In this age of information, technical expertise and presentation skills are the new standards for professionalism. When I attended college for the first time, technical aptitude wasn't a major issue. Instructors spent a great deal of class time lecturing. The only visuals we were accustomed to was writing on a board or the occasional overheads. My how times has changed!
I define instructional professionalism as enthusiasm and knowledge of your subject matter as well as a genuine interest in the aspirations and success of the students attending your class. One of my goals as an instructor is to make my course relevant to the goals of my students. In other words, find some way to realize the information learned in the class could be useful to the student and their profession.
I could not agree more here. With this practice we give the student a goal to reach even if we do not see it in the lab. I think they will remember this when they go for thier first interveiw.
Instructional professionalism is a combination of many things. It is built of personal professionalism, e.g. how I conduct myself in front of my class, my attire, my language, etc. Another component is my instructional delivery, e.g. how I get my "message" to the students. Can they understand my method of teaching? Do I have content knowledge and the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective instruction? Also, an instructor should ask, "Am I a role model for the students? Do I motivate them? Am I an effective leader?" These are all characteristics that should be shown by an effective instructor.
Instructional professionalism is dressing and acting the part of a professional in your field. First immpressions are very important and critical in teaching students. How you look and present yourself will influence the students on if they will listen to you and follow directions from you.
Lead by example. This sums it up. If you are going to be in front of a group of students and lay out expectations for their appearance, time management, and accountability then you have to be, and exceed, these expectations you have of your students. This incorporates everything that has been posted here previously, having the knowledge, being prepared, being on time, being appropriately attired, and more.
Marie,
I think you bring up a good point. Definitely modeling professionalism in the class room is important, but asking the "tough questions" so students are prepared to act, speak, and think in a professional manner will help with the transition from class room to real world.
