Scenarios are a great way to teach students!
One of the things that I do to set an example for my students is to continue my education as well. I let them know that I too am in school and I share with them some of the strategies that I have for studying and learning. I set a good example by being on time to class and by admitting when I have made a mistake. I try to treat them all with the same respect that I would expect. I also tell anecdotal stories about my experiences in the field so that they can relate what they are learning in the classroom to what they will see on the job. All of these things helps them to learn better because they can relate to the subject matter as well as to me.
Hi Gary,
I agree with your assessment of how effective sharing career experiences are in motivation students. They get to hear how you have been successful in your career and that you are there to teach them how they can be successful as well if they will put forth the effort.
Gary
In my experience, one of the best ways to model behaviors is to share your experiences and to share best practices. This includes sharing what will be expected and also sharing what may be some common challenges. This provides insight for someone new to a specific field.
Gary Piontkowski
As educators we really do set the tone for our classrooms and being dressed professionally daily is a requirement. Our students do not always have role models and people to look up to.I know most of us don't consider ourselves to be role models but we are. The way we present ourselves, being on time, knowledgeable about the subjects we are teaching, wiillingness and eagernes to assist our students will help our students to see education in a different light.
Hi William,
Good point about the professionals. They are always a hit with my students because they show the students what a person from their field is like as well as will be doing when they graduate.
Gary
Great concept, also good to bring in actual Professionals in the field to act our typical career experiences.
In my career field depending on the situation will require a proper dress code and formal or informal attire.
In order to gain the respect and the attention of your students it is important to share with the students adding relavancy to the course through the instructors related experiences.
Hi Ron,
Way to go in reflecting what a professional is suppose to be like in both the behavioral and professional areas. You are setting the bar high for them so they know what they need to do to get ready for their own career success.
Gary
Check for the following:
Preparation time before class
Come to class prepared
Be on time
Dress appropriately
Engage students
Group activities, not just lectures
End class with a question of what they've learned
Be courteous
Some of the best ways I can show my students how to act in their career is to model my behavior as if I was still in the hospital working. Meaning showing up to class early, preparing the room before the students arrive, and showing the students how to be professional.
The model behaviors mentioned in this post are right on target. I agree that professionalism is important, and having 'instructional' professionalism is required. One key behavior that I find very important is being motivated. One of the 3-Ms. Truly being passionate about the topic you are teaching passes over to the students. Being on top of your subject matter by keeping abreast of current findings/information is critical. It will show the students that you are actively engaged in the course topic, and that the information is important enough to you that you keep the topic in sight and in mind at all times. I usually keep current research articles and magazine clipping at a central location for all to read. I 'highlight' and post articles I find interesting and pertinent to our classroom discussions and course work.
As Instructors, we follow sets of rules and therefore, students must learn to follow rules that are set for them. The class room rules have to be enforced as to a mirror image of the professional world.
Hi Amanda,
Spoken like the true professional you are. This is what modeling and managing instruction is all about.
Gary
I always make sure I arrive to class early (to answer questions, catch up with students that missed a previous class so it doesn't take away from class time, etc.), arrive prepared, and take up the full class time. I also make sure to return assignments with in a day because I remember being a student and the stress of waiting for a test/large project to be returned.
I make sure I am always dressed professionally and to speak appropriately avoiding profanity and slang, and ensuring to enunciate my words. I use technical jargon as often as possible (making sure I explain what it means) to prepare my students for the technical terminology and acronyms they will hear in their fields. I also participate in as many on campus events as I can to meet more students and show my love of our students/campus.
Hi Mary,
Good comments about how to establish yourself in the classroom. Yes, you will be tested and when you are you have a plan for handling such situations which will result in keeping the class moving forward. This sends a very powerful signal to students that you are in control and prepared to instruct them.
Gary
It's important for Instuctors to love what they teach. They should also put high expectation on themselves as well the students
You should always keep in mind that as an instructor you are a role model. Look and act professional- proper attire, proper use of the English language, no inappropriate behavior, mutual respect,
I agree with the others in this forum that promptness and preparedness are two extremely important factors in being a role model for students. Other ways are to not only grade papers on time, but to grade them as soon as possible after the deadline, with extensive comments on what was done correctly and what could use improvement. By doing this, we show them that attention to detail counts and we care about their learning process.
Keeping your cool in the classroom setting is also very important. Students will sometimes test an instructor to see how she/he will handle a difficult situation or question. If we remain calm during a testy situation, we show students that anger gets us nowhere. If we do not know the answer to a question, we should admit it, ask the students if they know the answer, invite them to do some research, as well as doing our own research to provide the answer. Make a note of the question and be sure to answer it, so all can be informed. Doing research for our students also shows we pay attention and are willing to learn, just like we expect them to do in their coursework.
