Hi Jose,
As the Director of Education I tell my instructors to lead by example. How can we mark students tardy when we are not in class on time? We must practice what we preach. Begin teaching on the hour sets a different standard for students. It encourages them to get to class on time so that they won't miss anything.
Patricia
Hi Carol,
Students will question you in every way whenever they begin to have any type of doubt. Instructors must be prepared every day.
Patricia
Yes, I do agree that the organization component does speak a lot to students. If they are confused they question your expertise.
Always be on time for class, be always looking your best, respect yourself so the students will respect you.
Hi Wendy,
How do you go about creating a positive instructor image?
Patricia
Great ideas. As a new instructor, I really appreciate hearing how you are going that extra step to engage your students right away. I can see how it would definitely help them to buy into what you are teaching.
A positive instructor image can be created by demonstrating the same professionalism in the classroom as you utilize in a work environment.
Be respectful of your students' time by being prepared and ready to go at the assigned class time and ending class on time.
Treat each student with the same respect you expect to receive in return, and be sure to interact with each and every student in your classroom so they know that you care about their success in your class.
It is also important to dress professionally.
By taking these steps, you not only portray a positive image as an instructor but are also representing your profession in a positive manner.
Hi Brooks,
Absolutely! How can one expect something of their students, when they do not do it themselves?
Patricia
Being organized and prepared is a big step--asking students to prepare when you haven't yourself is a recipe for disaster.
Hi Tom,
We must be the best salespeople in the building because we have to do a great job on selling them to come back the next day. We must always create excitement and interest.
Patricia
Hi Jack,
It is important for educators to speak professionally. Some of our students only know the language of slang, and we need to teach them the correct way of speaking.
Patricia
I attempt to create a positive instructor image by my demeanor, my dress, and my manner of speaking. I "try" not use slang and never use profanity.
I remind my students that our language, like everything else, is subject to habit. If we use slang or profanity in our everyday life we will be more prone to use it at work.
The way you walk, the way you talk...is there an air of confidence about you (because you prepared)? Do you come across as organized and polished? Do you outline on the board what you want to accomplish this first day? Do you take charge? Are you open to questions from your learners? Our job is to get them to come back for the second class meeting!
Hi Roy,
The instructor does set the tone for the classroom. If the instructor is unprepared, the students will be in a total up roar, and effective learning is not taking place.
Patricia
Hi Gail,
You're right! As instructors we are being examined carefully. We must treat everyone with the utmost respect.
Patricia
One should create positive instructor image starting during the introduction portion of the first class. It is essential that the student understand what qualification the teacher has. Furthermore, the teacher should create an environment which is centered on professional behavior.
An additional method for creating a positive image if to ensure that the teacher is properly prepare, has the necessary knowledge related to the subject, and the teacher should project confidence in his/her abilities. Above all the teacher should never display any form of anxiety. If the teacher projects any form or either anxiety or lacks self confidence, the student will pick up on this behavior. The greater the teachers anxiety level the greater the students anxiety will be
Good afternoon. I believe an instructor needs to lead by example. Personal successes and failures that match the student audience tends to make them feel more comfortable and believe in their ability to succeed. First day of class is a good time to tell a few "war" stories and have students talk about themselves. It also gives the instructor a chance to match names with faces. students like it if you pronounce their names correctly and if you can remember something about them later in class, they are usually impressed.
You can create a positive image by being prepared for your class and reviewing your class guidelines periodically so students know what is expected in your class. Also being excited about the content of the information you teach in your course creates a positive environment. Instructors should also exhibit a positive image with other instructors. Students are always watching!
Be early to class. Have handouts, sign in sheet,etc,, ready and laying out. Do the basic stuff but most importantly start the class with excitement and the focus on the goal of course knowledge.
You can create a positive image by first of all showing respect to students, being clear in providing information, expectations and deadlines, showing that your are knowledgeable in the field you teach and by engaging your students in conversation.
