Instructor image is critical to manage a balance between SME and your concern for the success of the student.
You must challenge the student without discouraging them.
Most of my students have not had a large degree of success in the past so you have to structure exercises that set them up to succeed and then make the exercise increasingly more difficult and the student gains confidence instead of frustration at his or her own pace.
Hi Robert,
I like your outlook. Students tend to model what they see. Continue leading by example! Our students need great role models.
Patricia Scales
You should always arrive on time, early actually and be "dressed for success." We wear a uniform similar to the students so I try to set a positive image, leading by example. I make sure my shoes are shined, my clothes are pressed and I'm ready to go for class.
Attitude is very important, when you attituteis in the right place you can handle a positive way without getting anyoneabset
Brenda is correct here, in my opinion. I like to put an enthusiasm about the class to the students that the information they are going to be exposed to is essential, important to their wellbeing and their eventual success in the school. I've found that this openness and positiveness about the class goes a long way in setting the tone of how most students then approach the class.
Hi Craig,
I love your energy level! I became excited and smiled as I was reading your response. I can see how you rub off on your students. Students emulate what they see.
Patricia Scales
My enthusiasm/preparation/professionalism causes my students to be enthusiastic/prepared/professional and I just get more and more excited and the interaction becomes better and better!
Hi Craig,
I love your outlook! I can tell you lead by example, and you are a super role model for your students.
Patricia Scales
Creating a positive instructor image may work for some but not all. Students who constantly disrupt class, come to class late, ask questions when you know they weren't listening can make any instructor question one self. If your attitude is in the right place then any of the above mentioned can be handled in a positive way without getting anyone upset, or you hope. I think all instructors try to start out with a positive attitude but some may lose that as time goes by.
Appearance - in my case, a shirt and tie and nice casual slacks. Good grooming is important as well
Presentation - a good strong speaking voice and proper grammer is improtant
Respect - respect for students will, in turn, gain you the respect of your students
Fairness - have rules, stick to the rules, and treat all your students equally
I agree entirely. A positive attitude does much for being professional, which is what all the other elements mentioned above (such as professional dress) help to encourage. A positive instructor image, like any image, is largely set by a first impression. Image is taken literally - by appearance. Attitude is derived directly from the body language of the instructor even before he or she utters a single word. To project a positive attitude shows confidence and approachability, which, coupled with solid experience and a zeal for teaching, helps to transition the instructor from simply SME to IDE!
Hi Stephen,
Students love knowing that they are learning from a very knowledgeable instructor.
Patricia Scales
Proper attire is certainly a large part of a positive image. A broad and relevant vocabulary, ability to use humor during lecture, and demonstration of profiency in the subject area all lend to a positive image in the students eyes.
I find that coming to class dressed professionally and confidently will send a message of confidence and Professionalism. First impressions are always the most important. I also believe that you need to be organized and well prepared and this will begin the respect process. I will also return all of their assignments by the next class period as a general rule. I tell all of my students if I expect you to complete your assignments on time it is the least that I can do to return their grade in a timely manner.
A few steps I feel an instructor can take to project a positive image is to dress professionally, use proper grammar, arrive on time to every class, stay after class to offer additional student support, arrive to every class prepared and organized.
Mellisa
By creating a positive first impression. I always arrive to teach class early so when the students start to arrive, I am already there. I also dress professionally and make sure my classroom rules are explained. By conducting yourself in a professional manner, the students will have a positive first image.
The students will know if you like your vocation.
Hi Janice,
Hearing expectations from students about the instructor shed light on things for students. Students are more able to relate to other students.l
Patricia Scales
In the beginning of the semester I usually ask two of my former students to come in as guest speakers to give my new class a little idea of what to expect from me during the new semester.
The students' first impresssion of the instructor depends upon the instructor's appearance: good grooming, suit or sport jacket and pressed slacks, clean shirt, tie and shined shoes. These are the instructor's work clothes. During a demonstration, the jacket may come off, the shirt sleeves may be rolled up, as the instructor displays interest and absorption in the matter at hand. My students have commented positively about my appearance.
Female instructors should dress neatly, appropriately and not suggestively.
