Hi Tim,
No one knows it all, but you need to be a guru in your subject matter so that you believe in yourself and your students believe in you. Confidence is key! Knowledge is a must!
Patricia Scales
Being confident and competent in the subject matter is the first step in delivering the expectations of the course. Don’t be afraid to evaluate and try new techniques scaled to the environment.
Hi Christa,
Students really do watch instructors in every way. We should be the professional that we want our students to become.
Patricia Scales
Dress is extremely important. You are a role model for your students and your attitude about the school, material, and appearance is essential for professionalism as well as the expectations that you have of the students.
Hi Glenn,
I love your perspective! I can tell you are a superior instructor! Your students are fortunate to have such great role model in all areas!
Patricia Scales
There are many steps you can take to create a positive instructor image. Just as in our personal lives, the first impression is important so it is crucial to establish your professional persona on the first day. Aspects of this positive professional image including dressing well, being welcoming and inviting, being confident in your teaching (especially if you are new), etc.
To ensure a good working relationship, you also must make it a priority to show that you care about your students and their success but not to cross the line and being friends with your students. Another important task for each session is to be a positive role model to them not just in professionalism, but establishing proper behavior in the classroom including being on time, active listening skills, etc.
One thing that i like to focus in my teaching is to always be approachable and be available to answer questions before and after class, as well as, being energetic and getting students interested about the subject matter.
Hi Danny,
You are a true role model/professional. Continue to lead by example and continue to be the professional that you want your students to become.
Patricia Scales
I am on time to class, come prepared, dressed appropriately with name badge, etc.
Hi Brian,
Students really do feel a sense of importance when they are addressed by their courtesy title. I love to stand when I teach due to being able to feel in control and promoting great energy.
Patricia Scales
Hi Gwendolyn,
Absolutely! Positivity is contagious, and it starts with the instructor.
Patricia Scales
Hi Lynda,
Sudents need to know that we are experienced in our given areas. Experience is really the best teacher. Students also need to know that we support them 100%, and we really want to see them succeed. It is certainly our job to produce an environment that is conducive for effective learning to take place.
Patricia Scales
As much as possible I try to do 2 things. I refer to each student as Mr. or Mrs. in an attempt to promote professionalism. Additionally, I will very rarely sit down at my desk to try to let them know it is just as important when I am speaking as when you are doing your work.
I too agree that a positive attitude toward your profession, teaching and your school is important in projecting a professional image.
Like your response of interacting with students while they are involved in projects rather than sitting at desk answering emails.
First thing I train my instructors to do is to take some time to talk about their experiences in the field,,,good and bad...what their goals are for their students and how he/she will support them through their journey. I also have them talk about expectations in the classroom and the type of learning environment will be created.
Hi Elmer,
I love your perspective! I can tell you really get into teaching, and you are on your feet ensuring your students are on point. Continue to be involved and energetic in the classroom. Our students need us.
Patricia Scales
Hi Amy,
The instructor must display self confidence and lead by example in all areas. We need to be the professionals that we want our students to become.
Patricia Scales
Keeping students involved is the biggest step toward a positive classroom environment. Teacher supervision is key. Don't give an assignment and then sit at your desk and read your email. Circulate around the room, giving help and providing cues for your students so they know what to do next.
Another way to increase their involvement is to make them curious about the subject matter. Tie their previous knowledge to the concept you are about to teach. Whenever you can, relate your subject to things that they'll need to be able to do in the real world. Give them frequent feedback on their progress - both positive and constructive.
I believe the best way is to be self assured. If the students see you are confident in yourself, your appearance, and your manner than they will feel you are knowledgeble and have something to share with them. I also share my experience in the field because that makes me the subject expert to them.
You can create a positive instrutor image by always being on time and well prepared for your lesson plans. When students see that you are prepared they tend to memic what they see you as the teacher do. So if you give positivity you'll get it in return.
