I think that, as a model, you need to consistently display the attributes that are required of the students in order to become suiccessful in their chosen field. Punctuality was mentioned in the course, as was dress. In addition, it is also the way you communicate (intonation, choice of words, calmness and confidence while speaking, pausing, and repeating yourself to emphasize certain parts of the lecture material).
Don't come to class with a 2-day beard if that is not acceptable in the field. When was the last time you saw a NY Yankee with long hair? The club management doesn't allow it. Same here in the classroom.
While I arrive on time, I do not call the roll right away some days. People are still coming in to the classroom, and it can be a bit chaotic. Therefore, one model behavior would be to call roll promptly - in addition to always being there on time.
I try to dress appropriately - and speak appropriately.
Another such model would to be to comment on professional behavior - how poor behavior in the classroom might carryover into their workplace - and how it might be detrimental to their careers.
Carmencita,
Good way to start a class. Your students know you are there to help them move toward their career goals. This is a great format for learning to occur.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Professionalism is key
I try to be early and prepare my classroom for a great learning experience. I'm happy and excited. I always tell them how Happy I am to see them.
my computer is set up. If I'm doing a slide presentation it is up on the white board and ready.
my papers are all corrected
I'm READY! I'm anxious and excited. I think they feel that. As a result they come ready and enthusiastic... :)
Make sure to dress professional at all times. Be ten to twenty minutes early to get prepared for the students arrival.Be a role model.
Dressing appropriately. Since many of the students must follow a strict dress code, it is essential that they have a good model from the instructor so they understand and SEE professionalism at work ;.)
Be well prepared for class and develop a good stragerity of the 3 Ms
Patricia,
I think this is a very workable and comfortable model to follow. The students have someone available to help them (the more experienced students) on the basics and their instructor floating around to help them with the more complex part of their lab effort. Thanks for sharing this model with us, I know it will be of help to other instructors.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree with you that lab time can be very difficult with a large class. You have to have it arranged in your mind before going into the lab on how you want to proceed with it. You have to have control and patience with your class and then you'll be able to get the point across to them. When I have a large class, I first overall explain to everyone and then break them up into groups; ie: my students who have been there the longest paired with the new students who just came in. I then walk over and assist group by group and this also is team building. This has effectively worked for me and the entire class seems to enjoy it also.
Paul,
Well said and very important for instructors to remember at all times.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I FEEL THAT IF WE SHARE OUR PAST EXPERIENCE AND LET THEM KNOW OF THE JOURNEY WE HAD TO TAKE. THEY WOULD THEN BE ABLE TO SAY THAT WE AS EDUCATORS ARE NOT THE ENEMY AND WE REALLY WANT TO HELP THE TO GO AS FAR AS THEY CAN.
If the Instructor does not provide a Role Model to the students, it sets the student up for failure. How can they meet the standards of the Workplace if they don't know what they are expected to be.
Preparedness is a key element that instructors can show their students in terms of a model behavior. When students see that their instructor is always prepared to do his or her job then it teaches them that they too should be prepared to learn. It works both ways. If instructors are late then their students would tend to be late as well.
Rolando
Daniel,
The key is to be a model for the students. So finding that balance between personal preference for dress and the commonly accepted dress for the field is a challenge. Sounds like you have comfort between the two.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
This is also a skill that required training by a mentor. I believe it is essential to be aware at all times you are a role model.
I teach in a very specific field for a line of work where dressing as a professional means dressing unprofessionally.
In my line of work, dressing in a suit for a job interview would be counted against you, so it's an interesting challenge as I personally prefer to dress a bit nicer where casual wear is more appropriate role-model conduct.
By letting them know about your personal experiences in the field and by telling them to go out and give it all the have..
I am always at least 15 minutes early for class, and arrive well rested and dressed appropriately. Cell phone is OFF and I make sure that I have extra activities and materials for class in case one portion is concluded more quickly thatn I expect.
Emily,
So true and so important. Respect seems to be lacking on the part of many of the students I have today. They are me centered and feel entitled to a grade because they are paying money to go to school. I work very hard with these students because I know if they carry this attitude to the workplace they aren't going to be there very long.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I believe one very important behavior to model is respectfulness. It doesn't matter what career path the student plans to follow, showing respect to one another is a trait that is essential to success in all fields.
