In my classroom we role play real world situations in their chosen field to give them a better understanding of what can be expected and why it is so important in being a profesional at all times.
Linda,
Good point and one that needs to be made repeatedly with our students. We need to bring passion for our field to the classroom and enthusiasm in teaching content. The students in turn need to make sure they keep their focus so they can create a future for themselves.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Positive Attitude - life brings each one of us difficulties, it's how we deal with them that matters.
Keep personal issues out of the professional environment - while you in a prefessional setting we do not discuss personal matters
Change is good - people get caught in the "circle of comfort" and do not grow.
Mary,
This is such an important role to play. Being a model for your students and helping them to see the value of what you are teaching is what teaching should be about.
With your attitude I know you are going to be able to motivate your students to what to be successful and move toward their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I feel that as a teacher you can inspire students to accomplish more than their immediate goals of completing their educational requirements. I remember as a student looking up to my instructors because of their professionalism and drive. I would love to motivate my students like that.
Yesenia,
This is such an important part of the total educational process. We need to model the behavior, dress and language of our field. You are right about we often being the only professional in the field that they have spent any time with and had an opportunity to observe.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe that as an instructor, one should be a role model by dressing and interacting professionally. Some students do not have positive role models so it is essential for instructors to appropriately direct/guide students. Demonstrating strong soft skills such as: punctuality, active listening, addressing concerns properly, showing empathy, and good eye contact are helpful.
Joseph,
Right you are about being examples for the students. They need to see us as learning leaders in a way that reflects our content and our field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Lindsey,
We are role models whether we want to be or not as a result of being instructors. It is critical that we display as you have said the elements of proper career conduct and representation for our students. This way they will have a standard from which to develop themselves.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The only way is to lead by example. Our students look to us as instructors to have the answers. Although we may not have all the answers, sometimes just showing a student that you care is enough.
It is important that the instructor set the standard by being what they are trying to teach their students to become. It is important that conduct, speech, appearance are in alignment with the industry standards.
Janis,
You are right about many students never having seen a professional in their field so they are not sure what the expectations are. So by being a role model and setting the standards for the course you showing them where they need to take their development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have learned over the years that I have taught that it is up to us to make sure that from the first time that student meets us that they see that we practice what we preach everyday not just some days. I believe that our apparel, neatness, timeliness, and our preparedness for class shows them what is required of them not only in the classroom but also in the workplace. Some of these students have never had anyone in their life that they could use as a role model.
Lisa,
It is great when instructors have had such role models from which they can take professionalism. You are so fortunate because you know what you need to model for your students. I wish you continued teaching success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The teachers I have had in the past were definitely a walking talking symbol of the content they were teaching. They were groomed professionally, educationally and had a great knowledge of their topic for which they were teaching. I have taken many of the traits witnessed from them and incorporated those techniques into my teaching style.
Lori,
I think this form of modeling is critical. Once the students start to see their instructor in such a role they make a connection to the field they are preparing to enter. Seeing such a role model facilitates their transition into the field and as you say helps them to offer good care to their patients.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Instructors are supposed to be Role Models. If students are to act as professionals, instructors are the best role models to allow them to see firsthand how to act when they have to work in the "real world"
I agree with you James. Instructors can often times become the only positive role model in a students life. The ideal role model in my opinion to depict to students would be one who is kind, compassionate,willing to lend a listening ear and sets a good positive example for their students or followers.
I agree totally with this description of a role model. I feel that by being professional, on time, dressed neatly and appropriately, as well as expecting a level of respect to be given to classmates as well as patients is a good way to role model for students as well.
A,
Right you are. It is at this point that the students start to see themselves and their futures unfolding. They realize that with hard work and effort they soon will be in their field and enjoying the results of all their hard work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
