A positive image in a instuctor should go hand in hand with honesty aswell.
Hi Gayle,
We must lead by example! Life happens, and we take the bad with the good, and we keep it moving.
Patricia Scales
It can be difficult to maintain a positive attitude in those types of situations however, don't we want and expect our students to maintain one as well? Not every day is a bowl of cherries but a few on an otherwise bad day is delightful!
Hi William,
I really like how you are able to turn on/off your professional/formal mode to a more of an informal mode. Your students know when you mean business, I am sure.
Patricia Scales
So important, especially at the beginning of a course with new or not seen before students. I use a multi-layered approach. (1)Dress Up for theory courses and program specific courses. (2) Dress down a bit for gen ed and practical courses. (3) Begin very organized and firm as I set expectations and review syllabus. (4) After basics are covered, I begin to move into the classroom and ask questions directly to students, warming up to them a bit and showing them a different side. (5) Walk around, sit on a table or desk, use differing body language and vocal variety. (6) Toward the end, get back into the formal mode as we discuss homework and next class expectations.
Because I am human like everyone else, I know I am going to make mistakes and I believe that my students realize that too. I believe it is more important how you handle a mistake than making the mistake itself. My student’s know that if I make a mistake, I will take ownership of it and that I will ensure that the mistake will not impact them, i.e. test questions. It’s a humbling experience, but I believe that in the long run, you will gain your student’s respect.
Hi Kathryn,
Continue to be a super role model for our students.
Patricia Scales
Dressing professionally every day, smiling, milling about the room during lectures, and good eye contact to students asking questions show them I am interested and care about what they have to say! If they feel respected, they are more likely to speak up again. Also, by introducing myself and my credentials during the first class establishes my qualifications, so they know I have the background and authority needed to perform my job.
Hi Marco,
Absolutely! The instructor should always have higher standards than that of the student. Appearance says a lot.
Patricia Scales
Hi Ashley,
I like how the instructors are role modeling professionalism.
Patricia Scales
The first that an instructor should look at is his/her attire. My rule of thumb is, if you are dressed like a student, students will not see you as a teacher. It is very important dress the part and show students that you take your job seriously.
With the program I instruct, we ask students to dress and remain professional as if the classroom was an extension of the work place. Initially when starting the vocational program, the students have yet to be employed within their field of study, so it is a positive way to teach them the respect and professionalism that comes with being employed within this field. As instructors, we try to show and also explain how we would interact with our employers, doctors, and fellow technicians.
Hi Brian,
Preparation is key! Our students thoroughly check us out in every area. We have to always be on our toes.
Patricia Scales
I think first impressions are always very important as well as how one carries or takes care of themselves. Showing up to class on time, professionally dressed, and prepared is an obvious way to start. If an instructor shows up late or disorganized, he/she will have a difficult time regaining the trust about their ability to teach from their students.
Hi Jose,
I concur! As instructors we should have very high standards for ourselves, and we should have high standards for students as well.
Patricia Scales
Hi Amber,
If we except our students to have a good attitude, we must have a good attitude as well. We have to be the outstanding professional that we want our students to become.
Patricia Scales
Hi Rochelle,
Awesome response! I can tell you lead by example, and you give your students everything that you have professionally. Continue to be a super role model for students.
Patricia Scales
Hi Sherry,
You are definitely on target. I can tell that you are a true professional, and you serve as a role model for your students.
Patricia Scales
A positive instructor image is important in creating a class atmosphere of engagement and rapport. There is that feeling among students, of being a part of the whole class. Most of the time positively driven instructors have their expectations set bothways for themselves and the students.
It is important to build rapport with students by maintaining a professional image both outward and through attitude. It is also important to get the students excited about the material through knowledge.
