I think the most important skill in health career field the social skills, dealing with people in pain could be difficult sometimes, so the health profession should be calm and patient while dealing with patient, this could be modeled in the class when the instructor show patience and control over some annoying behaviors in the class without letting things go out of hand
It's especially important for students to see that on occasion they may be required to trouble shoot problems in their selected field, and to maintain composure and be part of the solution is key. So I feel if they see us working along side them trouble shooting and being patient to resolve the issue will only help them in their field of study.
Myrthe,
Good points about how to be a professional educator that is supportive of student learning.
Gary
As an instructor there can be many intimidated feelings to face just before the role of an instructor become a real feeling. Some ways my model behavior will help my student succeed is by being a great motivator. When ever they do a good job I will praise them and let them know that was a "job well done". Also having confident in myself doing my lectures and skill demonstration will help the student believe in me which will them succeed.
All sorts of things such as being professional but approachable help us serve as good role models for our students. The old saying "Do as I say, not as I do" is completely erroneous here. We cannot possibly expect students to act professionally in the classroom if we choose to act carelessly ourselves. In addition, if you understand what field(s) your students plan on pursuing, you may wish to see if there are more specific expectations needed in those fields, and plan student activities so they can see those skills in action.
Rudayna,
Simple yet effective behavior to be a role model for students. We need always remember this as we work with students and delivery instruction.
Gary
Often times instructors tell their students what is expected from them but the instructors themselves do not practice what they preach. I feel that if you want your students to follow your rules than you have to show them that you are a professional and that you follow those rules as well. Have their tests gradeed in a timely manner, showing up on time and being available to your students.
Rudayna Jebara
Do the do's, don't worry about the don't. Be the example. I don't ask my students to do anything that I myself as a proffesional do not do.Have organization and structure to every class, set goals, rules and tone of the class room setting, and don't wavier from them.
I believe that a large part of my role is to prepare students for the work world. To that end, I view teaching similar to many of the jobs that my students will take upon graduation. That means dressing appropriately, arriving on time, being prepared, doing my best, looking for ways to improve my work environment, questioning with respect, and treating all with courtesy.
Malcolm,
Thank you for sharing this great story. This to me is what being a professional educator is all about. You are setting the stage for success with your methods and students recognize this. Keep up the great job you are doing, continue to inspire and you will leave a legacy of impacted lives as a result.
Gary
Gary:
Thaks for the reply. I agree with the presentation exposure. Presentation techiniques of others have helped me in becoming a better presenter. To use another story to explain, when I became a SGT and leader in the Army I had no idea of how to lead. Another leader told me to take techniques from who I thought was a good leader and use those. And to not take the techiquies from those who I didn't think was good. I use the same principle for presenting. If I don't like the presenter, then others probably don't either so I don't present that way. I use techniques of those I like then use that. It has seemed to work so far. Last night with my student on the first night of class, and by the way 30 of the 36 this is their first class at the school, the students were asking how many other classes I teach. Probably because of my technique. I even had a transfer from the same day. The student who transfered came in because she thought she could understand the material, even though she sat through it once that day already. She likes my class alot more. So my technique works.
Being on time is a must for the students to see and to see when you are prepared for class. We do encounter students that exhibit issues with their grades, tardiness, professionalism, and attendance. I generally will counsel the student regarding these issues to make sure that they do not become a problem when they enter the working field.
Dress and act professional. Let them know what is expected of them as a professional on the job.
Thomas,
Good way to provide support to your students while dealing with a large enrollment. I like the way they help themselves and others as they work through their lab situations. This is how it is going to be once they are out in the work world.
Gary
I find the lab environment a difficult one because 30 students are hard to give personal instruction to. However, I always instruct the students to be patient with me, and I will address their needs as quickly as possible. When I do this, sometimes they actually answer their own needs, and by the time I am able to assist them, they are happy that they have been able to move forward without my assistance. I still will make every effort to help each individual one at a time. It is ALWAYS a challenge to do so, but when the day is over, if I have done my best, I am satisfied that I have succeeded. Personal attention is the most important point of being a role model.
Dan,
Good points about instructors as role models. I think I had some of the professors you mentioned as an undergraduate student as well. Made me think about how they ever got teaching jobs.
Gary
Arriving to class 15 minutes early, and being prepared to start on-time is very important in setting the tone for the class, and the instruction to follow. I thought the video in this first module was a great explaination of the importance of being prepared, and the importance of having assessed the needs of the day by speaking with the students that arrive early. This may encourage other students to arrive early, or at least, on-time as well, to enjoy the benefits of speaking to the instructor and other students before class. Next, dressing appropriately in order to model to the students is important. I can remembe a few foul-smelling, wrinkled-up cloths instructors in my experience as an undergraduate. All of these factors will greatly affect how your students percieve and respond to you.
The way you present yourself to your students and the level of your professionalism are some of the model behaviors that can help students to succeed in their career field.
By coming to class dressed in a manor that is appropriate to the field that you are teaching. By presenting your information using language that would be appropriate to the specific field (ie: not using slang, profanity, talking in a clear precise manor)
Modeling basic soft skills, ( communication, honesty, initiative, excellent workethic, team work, problem solving, timliness, respect, professionalism) can leave lasting impressions that a student will use no matter what career field he or she chooses.
