Pascha,
Good point about how to present yourself as a professional as well as coping those "off" days that occur for everyone.
Gary
Shelley ,
Good advice for all instructors. Thank you for sharing your ideas about how to be a professional for your students.
Gary
I define instructional professionalism to include everything from attire to attitude!! It is a package deal, if one things falters than that creates an unbalanced professional. I have "bad days" just like my students but I really attempt to not bring that into my classroom, and focus more on why I am there and how I can make them into better individuals!
I feel Instructional Professionalism starts with dressing to what you are teaching I teach medical lab classes therefore I wear scrubs just like the students.
If you also emit a confidence and passion for your field the student picks up on that and embraces it.
Dry instruction is not a good way to attempt to get across your subject. Have fun with it be vibrant and laugh embrace your knowlege and excel in it.
To me, instructional professionalism is a sum total of personal appearance and attitude as well as the instructors ability to demonstrate knowledge and course material. It doesn't matter how much you know or how well you teach, if a student can't see you as a professional in your field then the transfer of knowlege is restricted. On the flip side of the coin, if you look and act the part but aren't able to answer any off script questions you loose credablity.
Professionalism also refers to appropriate communication with institution administration.It serves to benefit faculty and students when we all communicate necessary feedback and ideas!
Instructional professionalism includes being on time,having all supplies and being able to answer students questions.
Beverly,
Welcome to teaching. I wish you much success in education as you get to share your knowledge of your field while impacting the lives and future of your students. You are on the right path as you develop your instructional style and expand your expertise as an instructor.
Gary
As a new instructor, I thought about this question a lot. I love my profession as an MA, but had never taught until now. I have found that if I am prepared, have useful handouts for the students and share my knowledge of the profession, they are very willing to learn and participate in the class discussions. So far I have had a wonderful experience with the students, but, this is also my first week. I try to be firm, but fair and give the sudents what they are going to need most when they enter the outside world.
Karen,
Well said. We are there to help students be successful if they will put forth the required effort. So student centered instruction is a must.
Gary
I would define instructonal professionalism as the ability to organize and deliver instructional content. The instructor must know the subject matter well and be enthusiastic about teaching the content. In addition, the ability to communicate as well as being creative and inspiring to the students. I feel it is important to be in the classroom at least 15 minutes before students arrive. This way the students will view the instructor as a professional. Most importantly dress appropriately and always speak professionaly. These are all ways to project professionalism.
I would define instructional professionalism as having the ability to deliver the class in a manner in which the students can learn.
This goes hand in hand with knowing the content well therefore an instructor must keep up with new information regarding the content.
It is always important to arrive on time, and in well groomed and clean and pressed professional attire; as the teacher sets the example that should be mirrored in the environment that the student is aspiring to be in.
Never use unacceptable language, or play to favorites. Always be fair, polite and respectful to all the students; as well as co-workers.
Instructional Professinalism should not only reflect your years of experience in the field, but it should also show your knowledge and expertise. Providing your students truthful informations is also important.
Instructional professionalism is defined by the extent to which the instructor's appearance, decorum, language, behavior, and technical espertise adhere to established norms.
August,
Well said. This is what demonstrates to the students that you are there to help them move toward their career goals as a dedicated professional educator.
Gary
Instructional Professionalism is a behavior in class, a dress style (shirt and tie), and an expertise in the subject as well as in educational deliverance. It is the sum of all the parts we communicate ( the environment created)
August
Modeling is one way of defining instructional porfessionalism. Exhibiting to your students an example of professionalism. Playing that role inf front of them on a daily consistant basis is key to modeling the correct behaviour. The younger students just out of high school with no experience in the workforce need the modeling particularly.
Hi Chemo
I couldn't agree with you more. There is not one set point when being professional; it is the overall performance of your professional concept that count. One may offset the other: not being organized can interfere with knowing the items that are being taught or presented. If the instructor is not prepared for the class than how can they be sure of the information that is going to be presented on that particular day. In addition, speaking intelligently plays a major role in the conversation we have with the students and the example that is being made. It all goes back to the model role of the instructor.
Im am being direct in the things and path I am wanting the students to follow. I am showing the hands on as well as doing the massage strokes on the student for them to fell.
