the way you present yourself and present the material in the classroom
Ability to reach students in a meaningful way, by developing innovative approaches to mandated content while motivating, engaging, and inspiring students
It basically refers to being prepared for all course material and/or content for that given lecture. Externally it is reflected by the instructor's confidence level and internally it is reflected by observing the dedication level the instructor has for her entire set of students in a class
DaKetia,
So true. We instructors need to remember we are always "on stage" even when walking down the hall in our schools or out in the community. If we expect professional behavior from our students then we need to professionals in our conduct as well. This is walking the walk you mentioned.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have made an effort to represent the top tier examples of people in the field which my students are training- both in appearance and interaction. I have found this not only sets the example for the students but gets them excited about the field as the level of respect and recognition they will recieve from peers and customers.
You really have to walk the walk and practice what you preach. If students see you being unprofessional then it says that it is okay for them to be unprofessional. I feel it begins with staff!
Right on point that you have to be selective with your information and how you present it to the class. If not, you will lose your audience and the students will not be engaged. As mentioned topics should be presented in many ways to for each class.
I think that this course helped refresh my memory on best practices in teaching.
Instructional Professional is being the best teacher with the best tools giving a postive fed back and postive teaching results
Brad,
This is the way to do it. After all these students are preparing to enter the "real world" so the more that they can be exposed to how the real world is going to be for them in their field the easier their transition to it is going to be.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I tend to treat the class just as if it were a meeting room/project/client meeting in the "real world". Showing students what it is like and conducting class as if it were the "real world" adds value as they can get a taste of what the career field will be like when they graduate.
I know I had quite a shock transitioning from my undergrad experience to a real job, so I want to make sure that doesn't happen to them!
Your knowledge and expience helps determine your accuracy
Veronica,
Great list of instructor characteristics in relation to professionalism. This is what it is all about in relation to having a student centered approach to teaching. For a novice teacher you have got a deep grasp of what a professional should be like in the classroom and/or lab.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I am a novice teacher so when I think of instructional professionalism, I always think of the teachers I had in grade school, high school, college and graduate school who I admired the most. These are the teachers who inspired me to be one. These are their qualities that I believe would define instructional profesionalism:
1. Mastery of class content supported by their advanced education, experience and research.
2. Excellent interpersonal relationships with colleagues, students and staff.
3. Views self as facilitator of learning and not a dictator.
4. Dresses professionally/appropriately.
5. Does not speak foul language.
6. Delivers class content using different teaching strategies that help enhance learning.
7. Has organized syllabus and course outline/calendar.
8. Grades fairly and objectively with the use of a Rubric if possible. Rubrics serve as a guide for the students to understand what the teacher expects about a course requirement. It is also very important for the students to know that the teacher is not setting them up for failure.
There are other characteristics that I would like to share but the other participants in this forum have already done an excellent job in sharing their own ideas. I'm learning a lot from you. Thank you.
If you do not love what you do then you should not be teaching. I teach because I love going home everyday knowing that I am making a difference in helping others meet their career goals.
starting on time and being prepared are the examples we must set for our students. we will have difficulty getting students to follow the official class start time if we don't show the example. everyone has distractions, professional and personal that can eat into our class prep time and keep us from starting promptly. we are better off when showing good examples of time management when trying to convey professionalism.
In a nutshell,Instructional Professionalsim is how you do the job you do. How you teach your students and the code of conduct you set in place for the students to emulate.It encompases you perfomance standard,mode and manner of presentation,values,expectations and attitude.
Professionalism starts with being ready and on time. It has to do with our appearance, dress and attitude. We need to be organized and let them see that we know what we are going to do and how we will get there.
Instructional Professionalism begins with boundaries set by the instructor. A student should not be a "friend" per se, as favoritism may develop and create a biased environment. Treat every student the same regardless of personalities, do not let your emotions interfere with student interaction (never let them see you sweat!), never assume or jump to conclusions, show command and control of the class room, and always back up your statements with evidence when in question.
Be an example through your dress, language, conduct, leadership, confindence and always be on time.
I believe that it is finding a balance of getting to know your students and building a trust but at the same time keep it at a professional level. I like to let them know a few things about my past experiences, but not too personal. I want them to know it is ok to struggle and have questions just as I did at some point during my college career.
