I think being prepared for classes well in advance as well as coming in rested and dressed appropriately helps to keep the expectations where they belong with students. If I appear prepared, engaged, and invested in the students and myself, they can look at me as a leader that they can follow.
The first thing you should do is know all of your students names, get some background information about them and then use that information to apply class objectives directly to their lives. Be open and honest, don't brag about your life experiences: present them to establish that you know what you're talking about. Be approachable.
Hi Amanda,
I concur! The instructor sets the tone. The instuctor should never take a bad attituden into the classroom. We are our students role models.
Patricia Scales
I have been teaching for almost 10 years, and have found that many things go into creating a positive instructor image. Most importantly a positive attitude! Even when you are not having the best day, you have to leave it at the door and be there for your students and their continued learning. If you can do this, you will create that positive instructor image.
Hi Dan,
I love your outlook! I can tell you lead by example and you geniunely want your students to be successful. Continue to be that fine role model for your students.
Patricia Scales
I feel two important elements in creating a positive instructor image are:
(1) Establish credibility on Day One
(2) Establish trust early and often.
On Day One, I spend ten minutes describing my professional (and some positive personal) bio. When I complete my presentation, I assure the students that "None of the preceding comments were intended to *impress* you. My intent is to simply *inform* you of my work, college, and life experience in hopes of gaining some level of credibility. I also hope that you can appreciate that I, too, have encountered obstacles in my college and career experiences. While my solutions to those issues may or may not apply to the particular issues *you* face, I want to assure you that we probably share some commonalities when it comes to juggling and balancing college with work and life. And where those conflicts exist, please trust me, I will not judge you personally for them, but I promise I will help you mitigate the impact your issues may have on your performance and progress in learning."
At some point on Day One, I also quip. "I cannot *predict* your future but I can certainly help you *prepare* for it. I truly consider that my higher purpose here."
Sidenote: Where student personal issues come into play, I listen, empathize (sometimes sympathize with a short anecdote from my own experience), and then I re-focus them and our conversation on the impact their issue has on their academic performance and how we can overcome it together, if we can. As much as they might indicate they want a friend in me to confide in, I consitently strive to behave (manage) in a manner which re-emphasizes I am neither their Friend nor their Father... I am a Facilitator of learning with a constant concern for their future success.
First of all, be on time! Being late shows both lack of respect for the students, and lack on organization on the part of the instructor. Also, dress appropriately. Professional appearance is important, both personally, and with the classroom, and workspace.
Hi Janet,
I love your attitude and professionalism. I can tell you lead by example. Continue to strive to be the best educator.
Patricia Scales
I am fair and consistent, dress professionally, care about the outcomes of my students, and am available to help with course content.
Hi Eddy,
Instructors should be the role model for the students in all areas, and dress is certainly one of those areas!
Patricia Scales
By dressing professionally, we are setting up clear expectations for our students and staff. It demonstrates our responsibility towards the students' education and future.
We as instructors, are roll models for our students. We must set the tone for the classroom by setting an example to the students. if we expect the students to arrive on time, the insturctor must. If we expect the students to respect us, we in turn , must show them respect. Instructors must live the leadership roll , show confidence, and show we care about each and every student.
Hi Corina,
Absolutely!! We should be the role model that we want our students to become!
Patricia Scales
Our image as well as our attidude greatly impacts our students . It is an important part of earning respect. Providing a positive role model for those that will represent our professions in the future is crutial.
Hi Susana,
I do agree with your statement, but I was always taught when you send a message through email or by a letter in all capital letters, you are actually yelling at the person. Didn't know if you realize all letters were in caps.
Hi Class,
Caring yourself in a professional manner will inspire the students to do the same. As an instructor, you need to be professional with your language, body language, dress code, and personal hygiene. Students look up to their instructors and what you do your students may follow. You as the instructor has to set the example. Students can get the attitude, "Why do I have to be professional, My Instructor Is Not". As an instructor you never want a student to think or speak that way. Stay professional at all times, during work and even when your off the clock.
A positive attitude and professional look goes a long way. Not to judge a book by it's cover but looking professional will take you farther with the customer base.
Hi Debra,
It means a lot to students when they know that their instructor genuinely cares about them.
Patricia Scales
Hi Cammie,
I concur! The instructor really sets the tone for the class!
Patricia Scales
Professional image, positive attitude, genuineness, honesty, experience, and sharing knowledge create a positive instructor image. Showing you really care for each student.
Debra
