Leading by example is paramount. :) I always try to lead by example and be a positive example/reflection of what the profession expects. Great comments!
This is very true. Just as it should be for students preparing themselves for class before the class starts, most of the work in education is in preparing an effective class before the class ever starts. Being prepared as an instructor not only sets the tone of the class as you are prepared and practiced, but it should show the students that yes, their instructor did "homework" too. Many students don't realize that effort has been put forth to be the role model an instructor should be by being prepared until they see an instructor who IS NOT prepared, and is thereby not being a good role model.
Kim,
Good point about managing behavior in different settings. The students need to be informed that their behavior is also being evaluated when they are in settings other than just the classroom or lab. Employers want to see the character of their employees displayed in a variety of settings. This goes for faculty as well, just as you said.
Gary
I agree with this concept 100%. Students need to follow rules in the class, but also in the hallways and lunchroom. Inappropriate behavior, language and dress needs to be addressed immediately and supported by all faculty and staff to really have students recognize the importance of professionalism. This also means that faculty and staff have to be cognizant of their own actions. Faculty are "on stage" and must perform within the rules consistantly.
Olmarys,
This development of behavior is very important because this is where they are going to be spending their careers. They need to know how to problem solve and work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Gary
Manuel,
Little things like those you listed are a great way to show your students how they need to conduct themselves when they are out in the workplace. Social conduct is a critical part of career success as we all know.
Gary
Behavior models seem to be best shown during a lab learning environment. The student gets to see first hand how I respond to challenges in lab. Also gives me the abuility to demonstrate patients and strategies. This is a skill that is much needed in my chosen field.
I think we, as instructors, are role models in everything we do and we need to remember that - be it in the grocery store after work, or at a shopping mall or whereever the students may see us.
I do some of the same things they stated here. I always make it a point to start class on time and I always call out attendance. Also every response I give to students is with a yes ma'am or No sir. The more they hear these types of response the more they start to mimick them.
I agree with this during lab time if students are having difficulty. It is a great time for you to show them how these difficulties can be addressed. Just by remaining cool, calm and collective. shows them how professionals deal with situations.
Mark,
You are making English relevant for them with this approach. They must be effective communicators so they more expertise they can develop in this area the greater their chances of success.
Gary
Mark,
Good comments about how to demonstrate your professionalism. This is so important for the students to see because their instructor may be the first person they have spent time with that has experience in their career field.
Gary
Good point! I provide my students a great deal of guided practice, especially when writing their term papers. I walk them through the outlining process, as well as the writing process. We might begin with brainstorming, and then move onto mind mapping. In English 101, some of the students may have been out of school for a while, and may be a bit rusty. I also utilize cooperative learning in my teaching, which is beneficial in my grammar instruction. I try to encourage students to apply their writing to their own lives, and to their careers of future careers. It's much more meaningful to them.
Mark
Hello Dr. Gary,
Behaviors that I can model might include punctuality, and good communication skills. If students are not on time to class, this does not reflect well on their commitment to the class. This transfers over to the workplace as well. If students are not on time to work in their professional lives, they are not going to keep their jobs for very long.
It's a valuable skills to have good communication skills as well. Students need to know how to express themselves, and to work with others in a team environment. I may assign various team projects and I expect students to work together toward the common goal and to overcome obstacles through communicating with one another. One has to be able to work with people who are different from themselves and who may have a different learning style. This is invaluable in the workplace environment, where my students graduating will have to work with others who are different from themselves.
you can model professional behavior by dressing appropriately, speaking professionally and maintaining a positive attitude
Tracy,
Like your strategies. They are effective ways of reaching students and being a role model as well.
Gary
Frances,
This is a very good way to build rapport with your students. They can see you through your interaction with them and will know you are a dedicated professional educator.
Gary
Leading by example has always been my motto. I feel that by dressing professionally daily and conducting myself in a professional manner (even outside of class) are two major ways that I can model behaviors for success. It is important to remember that students observe how we communicate with them, their classmates, and other instructors.
by maintaining the same professionalism in the class
Dress code in the classroom is fully enforced. They have a professionalism grade that includes, puncutality, dress, manicure, jewlery, participation.
I will encourage them to think broadly. Ask questions out loud to discover more questions that could lead to the answer.
I will have them work as a team instead of individually. They must learn to cooperate and participate if they are going to succeed in their field.
