Diana,
This is so important as a part of their training and they need to be reminded of that repeatedly. Their abilities to interact with others, conduct themselves as professionals and demonstrate their competence are what are going to determine their career success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
How one should handle him/herself in stressful situations can be an important concept to model to students. Modeling to students that we should always maintain our professionalism despite what is going on outside of the classroom. I don't ever want my students to see me and think "oh, she must me having a bad day." Every time I am teaching, it should be a good day.
I try to "imprint" in my students minds to be professionals at all times. Very often we find students that, even though they have the wish to succeed they just have not develop good habits. I try to set the example by always been on time, address them in a respectful manner; since I teach allied health professions, I dress appropriately according to the subject.
Rachel,
Good list of ways to model professional behavior and actions for your students. This gives them a set of standards to work from.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Be prompt
Use professional language at all times
Demonstrate ethics & fairness in practice
Demonstrate empathy when treating patients
Treat colleagues and students with respect
Show genuine compassion and a caring attititude
Stan,
This is so important. They need to see compassion and dedication on the part of their instructor so they themselves can develop their approach to their field and helping people.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Leslie,
You got that right. We instructors need to bring a positive supportive attitude to the class along with our passion for teaching and our subject matter. This sets the stage for engaged learning to occur.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Stan,
All contributors to getting the class off to a good start from day one. This is so important for the students because the want to be accepted into the class and feel comfortable with the instructor.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Shikha,
Passion is a powerful motivator for students. When they see their instructor is passionate about his/her field and wants to share that passion with them it goes a long way in helping them become engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Being honest and truth full when students ask difficult questions. This will allow students great insight in themselves and give them tools to cope with difficult and challenging situations. This is important in fields that deal with people, like healthcare.
Attitude is everything. Professional dress communicates respect and professionalism without speaking. Punctuality demonstrates preparedness. By arriving early and having the daily lesson prepared studentss will understand the importance of preparedness. Motivatiion will be modeled through recognizing and assisting students that are struggling. My passion for this this industry will be clear.
I can be open and welcoming on the first day of class and converse briefly with some of the students to learn more about them. Put students at easy and make them feel valued, so that they wil be receptive and not intimidated. Be on time and appropriately dressed.
I think by demonstrating one's passion about the content and skills being taught in the classroom will engender a desire among teh students to learn and become successful professionals. This will send off the message that one has to love one's field of interest and pursue it passionately which eventually translates into success.
Karen,
This is why you need to be a positive role model for your students so they will be able to see the how a person in their career field needs to conduct him/herself.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Joyce,
By doing so you are demonstrating your commitment to your field and to your profession as an educator.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
In the three years that i have been teaching, i have noticed that most of my students dont have anyone to look up too. Being there to listen to them and incourage them everyday gives them the support and giudance to continue their education.
By always coming to class on time or even before the scheduled time and always fully prepared. Show them your passion in what you do and in what you teach.
An instructor is the focal point of any classroom. Students pay very close attention to the instructors demeanor, attitude, and professionalism and mock our behavior as professionals. Some students have come from broken, violent and in some cases poverse homes. These students may need a strong figure to guide them on their path to excellece and who better than the instructor.
Be a good example for their students. Show up to the class on time and dress appropriately.
I drink water while working instead of soda or coffee. Diuretics like caffeine require more bathroom breaks and don't hydrate as well as water. In addition, a spill won't be as damaging to the work environment. When you are taking a timed test, is it really sensible to drink a liter of coffee just before it starts?
