I teach online, and that can be even more difficult than face to face. Every word you write can be open to misinterpretation. I take great care to read and re-read communications to students to be sure there is no way it could offend, sound stuffy, sound inflexible, etc. I can be quite a headache, but it pays off in the long run. If I suspect problems with a student or we don't seem to be connecting, I find a phone call will let them feel the "real me", and my speaking tone and attitude can quickly bring them around to see that I'm dedicated to helping them succeed.
Hi Daniel,
You are absolutely right! I have students tell me all the time when I grow up, I want to be just like you.
Patricia
Hi Amy,
You are right! It is so important to never let your professionalism slip around your students. We as educators must behave professionally at all times.
Patricia
In order to create a positive instructor image, you must remain respectful and professional at all times. Treat each student fair and respectful which will create a pleasing environment. Also, students know you take your position seriously and their learning comes first.
Creating a positive image can be a learned skill. We take the attributes of the professionals we admire and adopt them. This can be as simple as smiling, professional dress, and body language. Professional dress for an educator, that creates a positive image, may not be the same as the profession for which the instructor is teaching.
Hi Melissa,
You are so right! Instructors must certainly lead by example.
Patricia
You can learn the student's names, give background information about your expertise, set your expectations and maintain consistency and fairness. Instructors should also be positive role models. We shouldn't be telling students they need to act professionally and then we ourselves do not.
Practice what you preach. Be there on time, no be there early, every day. Be organized, welcome eveybody, every day. Farewell everybody, every day. Dress, speak and behave professionally. Don't profess to know everything; profess to know enough. "All you need to know is what I tell you, because what I tell you is more than you need to know".
Hi Nedialka,
Great response! I can tell you are a true professional. It sounds like you lead by example, and you practice what you preach.
Patricia
Be in your classroom before the students arrive, acknowledge them when they arrive. Be professional in dress and behavior and be prepared to begin class on time.
Hi Chuck,
What a great response! On the first day, students form an opinion of you either good or bad. The instructor must shine in all areas on the very first day to impress.
Patricia
I do the same with my student. I tell them I have been in your shoe. I had a family and a career and went to school. I tell them if I can do it any one of you can do it. I tell them that I found out real fast about time management.
Bryant Neal
The inital first day image is of most importance in the gaining respect and attention of your students. Presenting your "credentials" in the
subject matter lets them know that you have the knowledge they are seeking. Presenting a syllabus informs the students of not only the specific order in which the material will be presented, but what specifically.
With this type of opening presentation the students look upon the instructor with respect and knowledge that they are about to gleen the tools they need for a sucessful career.
Hi Siobhan,
Absolutley, you never get an oppotunity to change a first impression. Impress from the very second.
Patricia
I so agree, you never get a second chance to make a first impression!
At the beginning of any course students pick up on everything about you from the way you dress, speak, level of preparation, and your professionalism. And thereinafter it is very hard to change this.
Hi Donna,
I love the acronymn, and I especially love what it stands for.
Patricia
An instructor that is always prepared and organized displays a positive impression amongst students. Students benefit for the better when the instructor is able to set a positive standard or foundation.
There are numerous ways that an instructor can display a positive image - dress, posture, groming, etc.
But to be an ACE instructor . . . show them that you are an Accessible, Caring, Expert!
Hi Ranee,
I like your perspective. It truly is all about the students. Students come first. I live by this, students come first, then the institution, and lastly the instructor.
Patricia
I tend to introduce myself and explain my past experience to establish credibility in the field and rapport with my students.
