For me, I believe in leading by example 100%. If I show up late for class, dress unprofessionally, or am unprepared, then my students will not have the confidence in me to teach the class. If I want my students to be on time, then I need to be on time. If I want my students to be excited about what they are learning, then I need to be excited about what I am teaching.
I would define instructional professionalism as being consistent, starting classes on time/ending on time, well-organized and meeting objectives, presenting meaningful and useful information to be learned.
The ability to lead the students toward the goal of successfully learning the class content.
I have always believed in leading by example, I feel it is best way to show the students how to be successful instead of just telling them how. I think just telling them they can see through that and you lose the buy-in long term.
Instructional professionalism includes delivery of the subject material, supporting the student, and reinforcement of the subject. We are not computers and students often need to hear the same theory several times before they comprehend. I take complicated ideas and break them down to their most basic components first, often as I would speak to a lay person. From there I can add in new information. Presenting the same information in different formats is helpful as is having the student try to teach the information back to me or the class.
I demonstrate this in various ways. I dress either in scrubs (for days we are doing skills in the lab) or follow my school's dress code. I conduct myself in a professional manner, meaning that I don't get caught up in gossip with my students or fraternize with them outside of school. I am on a friendly basis with my students and have their respect. I handle "issues" with students on an individual basis, rather than embarassing anyone in class. I accept constructive criticism from my students, and am open-minded to their ideas/suggestions. I also am honest with them & admit my mistakes or when I don't know the answer to a question.
I define instructional professionalism as the total of all manners, interactions, and management of the classroom. I am going to be human, yet I'm going to be a role model by wearing business clothes, setting clear expectations, starting class on time, and being fair to everyone. I am going to ask that others be respectful to their fellow students and model this respect by being respectful to my students.
Giving a detailed instructions to the students so they will have a better understanding.
In completing the requirements for becoming teacher. I had to complete a batter of in class room activities. This enabled me to have hand on situation as to how a professinon teacher should be.
Hi Larry,
Got it! Simple, understandable and right on target.
Gary
Hi Tim,
Good definition for us all to consider as we work with others, whether we are teachers or not. You are going to do great as an educator because you are open to professional development and excited about impacting the lives of your students. I wish you much teaching success.
Gary
Hi Dr. Rodenbaugh,
I like the quote as well. I think it expresses what we educators really want to see happen in each and everyone of our students.
Gary
I define instructional professionalsim by many different aspects. I consider my attire, the way I carry myself, my smile, the conversations I have inside and outside of the classroom. I also look at my expertise level in my field and my ability to deliver the pertinent information to my students. Lastly, I consider my students' success rate and their passion for our field. If I am truly good at what I do, my students will be infected with my passion!
I would define instructional professionalism as the way that an instructor conducts themselves that leads to students viewing them as role models. Instructor professionalism is an instructor showing up on time, dressing well, and handling students in a professional manner.
My definition for Instructional Professionalism -the ability to reach students in a meaningful way, developing innovative approaches to mandated content while motivating, engaging, and inspiring young adult minds to prepare for ever-advancing technology.
Instructional professionalism to me is defined as understanding the topics to which you are teaching; taking control of the classroom in a positive manner; getting students involved in the course and learning what is being presented.
In the courses I teach and am involved with, there is a skills component. I work with each student individually and as a group to gain the necessary skills to gain competenancy in each course.
As for testing, there are two components I use: written - multiple choice and diagrams; and a skills component. Students are given various skills to perform and must perform at an entry-level technologist would perform. Students normally excel in each area and seem to be successful.
Vanessa
I believe one has to lead by example and not just require the students to be professionals, without setting an example. I remember in my college years I looked up to my professors. I respected those who emphasized on professionalism so much more. For example, there was one professor who was always running late, poorly dressed, and sometimes just talked non sense the whole class the students did not take him seriously. On the other hand one of my professors was always at the door greeting students, memorizing each of the students name by the following week, and always dressed professional the students always had the utmost respect for her. They say to look at your past, and look at the experiences one had as a student to become a better instructor.
After reading the content on this subject, I have concluded that instructional professionalism is simply doing the right thing, the right way, at the right time.
I agree that we are indeed role models, examples and displaying confidence in our subject matter is very important; however, we are also "books" to our students. I think students read our "professional etiquette" & "nonverbal" language more than any subject matter we deliver. If students believe in us then they will follow our lead.
For me, instructional professionalism represents a combination of professional persona (i.e. attitude, attire and attention)and instructional preparation and competence (i.e. standards, expectations and delivery method). If either facet of this combination is absent then the integrity of instructional professionalism is lost. For example, the content message for the day course could be lost if the professional persona is altered; the students then focus on what is askew. On the other hand, if the instructor is simply not prepared, has not adequately set the expectations, guidelines or objectives (but looks and acts great) the students lose the relevant message and purpose of their classroom time. Therefore, it is important that instructors learn to balance the two necessary components of instructional professionalism.
I describe instructional professionaliam as being prepared at all times, answering questions relevant to the topic and staying on task. I beleive that how I carry myself and my delivery of my materials are vital to the students absorbing the information and carrying it with them in the medical field.
