As I present myself physically in a professional manner I tell my students what I’m doing as I’m doing it. For example, I always come to class dressed properly with my shirt tucked in and belt on. I mention to my students to notice that I always come to class looking this way and that this is how a professional is to look. I also mention things that I will intentionally leave out which marks professionalism. I point out that I constantly use professional language such as the proper terms for things in our industry and no swear words.
We, as instructors, can influence our students behaviors by practicing what we preach. If we are teaching them to dress a particular way, talk with patients in an appropriate manner etc.,it is very important for us to do the same!
These are life lessons that will be of the utmost importance in the future.
I start by making their learning environment a very positive one. I start with the classroom.
I'm prepared
I'm There Waiting for them... Welcoming them.
I want them to feel as excited about their attendance as I am.
I look and feel professional
I speak and act professional but be sure to always be availabl
I like to be the example. I have taken the class I now teach. I have the certificate that can be achieved if a student applies them self properly. The lab portion of my class is pretty much what it would be like if they started their own business after completing the course.
This has to be one of the most important things for an instructor, when a student see s you as a role model it lets them see where you came from and how sucsessfull you are at what you do.I take great pride in showing students where i came from and what i did to get where i am today.
Vance,
I agree with your comments about the necessity to professional in all aspects. Language, dress, conduct all contribute to the model that you want to set before the students. Your professionalism is what they are going to measure themselves against and it needs to be of the highest standard.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I recommend that instructors model predictable/professional behavior at all times...Predictable to me also means professional...You certainly want to have interactions with your students and at the same time you must keep all relationships professional...I also think that professional dress as well as professioanl demeanor are equally important...Students are always observing you and sometime they are looking for a professional role model to emulate...
By sharing my life experiences and career plan with them. This will assist them in creating a road map for their success.
Walter,
Right you are. You are the model against which they measure what they can become if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
In the field I am involved with we as Instructors portray what is expected of students when they enter the field. We portray industry standards on a daily basis. How are they expected to dress? Act? Communicate? We show them in the classroom on a daily basis what will be expected of them in their career field.
Christie,
Good strategies to follow. All of these components contribute to the expansion of your instructional expertise and enhanced learning for your students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
We should always begin and end classes on time. Instructors attitude should be positive and demonstrate they love being in the class room, teaching that subject matter. Be technically competent in thier presentation. Always Model professional dress and language, as it is those two primary concepts which will set the first impression at a job interview. These professioal attitudes will help the student move towards and obtain meaningful employment in the career they are studying.
Being that instructors have actually worked in the field, it is important that we display professionalism and project the proper attitude that our students need to be succesful in their upcoming careers.
Rommel,
Keep part of their education is learning self discipline and behavior. By operating your class like the work place you are helping them to become professional in their "soft skills" which are as important as the knowledge they are acquiring.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
From day one, all the way up to the final day of class, I tell my students to treat this experience as if it were their future place of employment. Which means coming on time, ready to work and take appropriate breaks when needed. I do my part by coming in a few minutes before the start of class and staying a few minutes over for any questions. I demonstrate to the students professional behavior by looking and playing the part in the classroom. I also engage the students by using a lot of role playing and imagery.
Misty,
Not only talk the walk but also walk the walk as the old saying goes. We need to model the behavior we want from our students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Encouraging students through actions. Coming to class prepared, encouraging them to treat class as though it is your job and even conducting myself professionally. I feel as though my actions and reactions when teaching prove to have more of an impact than the subject matter itself.
I agree, we must present ourselves as professionals, in the way we dress and speak, as well as many other ways. We are a package that the students look up to, and though the classroom isn't truly the professional setting, it's as close to that as many of the students will get before actually going out into the "real world" of their chosen profession.
If your school has requirements, such as dress code, it is important that the teachers adhere to the same dress code. The purpose of a school's dress code is to prepare the student for a job environment's dress code/requirements. If a teacher is not adhering to the student's standards, how can you expect a student to take the dress code seriously and actually be prepared for real on the job policies?
Jon,
Good way to get them using their newly acquired knowledge. You are helping them to make application and see relevancy to what is being taught. This is strategy is a powerful motivator.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
