By being prepared, setting the example and motivating the students. In combination, this is a very powerful pressence, if done right.
Professional in appearance, conversation, being organized, on top of your game, punctual, speaking intelligently, knowing the items you are teaching.
Instructional professionalism is being knowledge about the subject matter you are teaching as well as implementing different strategies for presenting that material. It also means not being afraid to make a mistake or tell students you need to do more research before you answer a specific question. Often times instructors dislike being work of not knowing an answer. I feel you gain more respect when you say "I do not know, but I will find out" or "I'm not sure; let's revisit this question/topic tomorrow" as opposed to giving incorrect information and having to fix it later in the term.
Conducting yourself to be an inspiring leader to teach the student as well as Dress nice or dress in the field of study.
Instructional professionalism entails all factors that present the instructor as a professional including appropriate dressing, organization and discipline which presents him/her as a model, mentor and manager to the students.
I define it as:
1. Best performance
2. Best attitude
3. Best behaviour
4. Thriving to be the best
For me Instructional Profesionalism is to teach our students at all time all the elements that make a Profesional ,from knowledge to behavior.Professionalism is an all around concept.
I define instructional professionalism as follows: 1. Being authoritative and enthusiastic about your subject matter.
2. Being always prepared; an an instructional expert, never be caught off-guard.
3. Constantly improve your knowledge and skills and their applications.
4. Know student learning styles, perceptions and what motivates them.
5. Be well organized in your presentation of material, classroom and lab activities, discussions and assessments.
6. Have strong communication skills and be a role model for your students.
7. Be consistent in classroom management techniques- important in dealing with problem students.
8. Show competence, efficiency, effectiveness and empathy as an instructor.
Thank you.
Joseph Rosales, Jr.
Julie,
Good description of how you approach professionalism as an educator and person modeling the characteristics of your field.
Gary
I think the term of Instructional Professionalism is a key concept in becoming a successful online instructor. Faculty members are there not only as content instructors, but also to serve as role models for professional behavior. It is important to be organized in the online classroom, as students will need to be organized at work. This means presenting class materials and the syllabus up-front, being clear with students about expectations and grading criteria, spelling out important timelines and finally providing students with feedback that is substantial and prompt. I also exhibit excellent communication skills. I am prompt in my responses to students and my prose is grammatically error free. I also share knowledge of my discipline and point students to further resources, so that they can increase their knowledge base. As a knowledgeable, organized instructor with strong communication skills, I model for my students the skills that they need to excel in their own professional lives. I am curious what others think, do we risk losing our student's respect if we are not professional in our demeanor, communication and organization skills as an online instructor?
Thanks,
Julie Pal-Agrawal
Instructional Professionalism entails being on time for class, maintaining a leadership role in your classroom, knowing and being enthusiastic about your subjec, dressing professionally, using language that is professional and conducting oneself with honesty and integrity and being fair and consistent at all times.
Verna,
The key is as you mention being able to "read" the students and then respond to their learning needs.
Gary
To me instructional professionalism is to make sure that you know your class and how you are able to react when they are unhappy with either the course itself or just a portion and how to help them out with their feelings.
Verna Bilski
Where an instructor can plan and deliver content in which he is knowledgeable of the subject mater and and the skills involved in its application. An in doing so (delivering) can assess the students learning and adjust his instruction to facilitate maximum learning opportunities for the students.
Khalda,
Good definition that should represent an instructor as the professional that he/she claims to be.
Gary
Instructional professionalism is the manner in which we conduct ourselves to our students. Instructors are models for our students.
As instructors we must give clear and credible information, show students that we care about teaching and their academic success, as well as care about them as a person.
I would define Instructional Professionalism as an individual who is well trained in the field of the subject to be taught. A person who is well prepared for the class and who truly and carefully teach the material by using the 3M's technique.
I like to be early and prepared. always dressed professional with a smile on my face.
Presenting yourself in character as a member of the profession to which your students will aspire, and making it as inviting as possible. Acting as a responsible member of the profession, and an instructor.
I would define instructional professionalism as being able to teach and show instruction while also maintaining a professional atmosphere.
