Hi Mitch,
What do you do to create a positive instructor image?
Patricia
Hi Randy,
I am a firm believer that negativity is cancerous. Students really do feed off of negativity. It is the instructor's job to keep the environment very positive and up beat.
Patricia
Hi Brenda,
Rapport building with students is important. Students tend to really open up to you, if a relationship has been established. I have also found that students work harder when their is rapport because they do not want to disappoint you. They want to make you proud!
Patricia
Hi Richard,
Great idea about putting your background in writing as well! Students like to have information to refer to. Dress has a lot to do with the way you are perceived by students and others. Instructors should look the part.
Patricia
Agreed. Keeping track of success anf not quite success helps to improve lectures or class activites for the next time.
Several. Dress for sucess starts the process. The way you dress says a lot about who you are. I also give a pretty extensive background about myself both in writing in my syllabus and verbally. I try and relate the classroom setting to my position and whereever possible pullin applicable topics about myself.
I think it starts with the very first class. An instructor should be really well prepared and welcoming to the students. I try to build rapport the first meeting. I like to share my experiences and also draw out student experiences, creating a classroom of mutual respect.
Hi Angela,
What a response! Students are very judgmental, and they will fully critique you in comparison to other instructors at your institution. You must walk the walk and talk the talk to be regarded as a professional by students.
Patricia
I try and be prepared,organized, and have a positive attitude. Students can pick up on any negative and it can bring the whole class atmosphere down.
To create a professional image, an instructor can dress professionally, behave appropriately, present informaton in a well organized and interesting manner, have respect for self, students, and the learning process.
Students also observe their instructors' interactions with other instructors on campus. Modeling communication, collegiality, and networking with other employees on campus reinforces the importance of teamwork and working together in the academic and career arenas.
Hi Natasha,
Preparation is key! Students can quickly tell when you are unprepared. Being unprepared brings on a lot of concerns from students. Students beging to lose respect for you and faith in you. Students will begin to question your knowledge base.
Patricia
Come to class prepared with a clearly defined lesson plan, presented positive manner.
Hi Arturo,
It is given that instructors should respect students just as students should respect instructors. Students deserve respect.
Patricia
First things first. We need to appear professional because students are going to judge our professionalism based on our appearance. Not that that's fair or always accurate, but it happens. Each profession has different standards of profesisonal appearance and dress but if you appear too far outside of those norms you will be perceived to be less professional.
The second important step to take is to be prepared. Know how to use classroom equipment and materials. Know the material you are presenting well enough to be able to answer common questions that may arise. Know how to use time effectively.
The student needs to respect thier instructor and also kno that the instructor will help them prepare to accuire the skills and knowledge they need in thier perspective fields at the same time the instructor needs to respect the student this will let the student kno you have a human side too.
Hi Warren,
It is important for students to know that you are experienced in the field. Students tend to feel more at ease when they know that you have done what you are teaching. You share very valuable information with your students to motivate them. We as educators have to continue to be role models for our students.
Patricia
Hi Laurel,
Students need to know that the instructor is approachable. Students feel more at ease whenever they know that they can go to their instructor. Remember, we should always be there for our students. . . it is our job!
Patricia
Hi Curt,
Preparation is key! You really present yourself in the best light to students whenever you are prepared. Students can quickly tell when you are not prepared, and being not prepared can damage your reputation.
Patricia
Creating a positive instructor image begins during the preparation phase for the upcoming block of instruction. Being prepared, and confident in knowing that you are prepared will eliminate any anxiety that may otherwise develop. Reduction of anxiety will be evident once you step before the students and begin course delivery.
The first day of class I started out with an icebreaker. This helps to decrease the students anxiety and shows the student that the instructor is approachable.
