welcoming students to the class by sending out a personalized email is a great way to introduce yourself before the term begins.
Hi Talyon,
Consistency is key! It leaves no room for guessing, and it helps you maintain your credibility as an instructor.
Patricia
Having been an instructor for a few years now, I have found that being contestant with grading and professional standards creates the most positive image.
The steps that you can create a positive image would be: arrive to your class at least one hour before class start, assure that you have prepared your class to deliver your curriculum, have your classroom properly set with all visual aids and materials, and to leave out your personal problems and realize that without your students you cannot be there.
Hi Dennis,
Nice response! We should simply be enthusiastic just to be living, not to mention the lives we will impact and have impacted.
Patricia
Hi David,
An instructor's mood helps set the tone of the class. Students can tell when you are in a bad mood.
Patricia
We can show up to class ourselves in a good mood. No one likes be be around or certainly be judged by someone who is always in a bad mood. It couldn't posibly have a positive outcome. Also let the students know your credentials, be human and admit to mistakes when you make them. You can't possibly know everything and if a question is asked you don't know, admit you don't know, find the answer and get back to them. Both the student and the instructor benefit from the additional information. Students respect that.
I approach every day with complete enthusiasm and enjoyment of having the opportunity teaching students something new . In the process of the days actvities if mistakes are made I reference them as Lessons Learned and Experienced Gained.
Hi Anne,
Thank you for being the perfect role model to your students.
Patricia
Hi Kim,
A firm handshake says a lot to the student as to who you are. Students can tell that you are geniune with your hardy handshake. What a nice welcoming gesture with your firm handshake.
Patricia
Welcoming the students with a hardy handshake on the first day and make sure you know their names so they know they are important to you and comfortable with you. Be sure they know you have time for them beyond the classroom. I relate to my students with my technical abilities as they relate to industry.
I maintain a professional appearance. I follow our student handbook's rules and guidelines. I believe that if I do not practice what I preach then what is a student to learn? I also make sure to let the students know of my professional experience and bring thoses experiences into the classroom as real world examples. Doing that helps to break up what can sometimes be a less than exciting lecture on Health Insurance for example.
Hi Eli,
This makes sense. You tend to be more comfortable by knowig more people.
Patricia
You create a positive instructor image before class even begins. As a new instructor on campus before my first class, I made sure to get to know as many faculty, staff and students as possible before my first class. This not only helped people to get to know me but it also helped me to feel more comfortable in the university environment. I also create a positive instructor image by always maintaining a professional manner, dressing in business attire and having a positive attitude.
Hi Jimmy,
All these are great ways to show positive instructor image. I also try to lead by example in all areas.
Patricia
Hi Aaron,
You are a true professional and a super role model. Continue to lead by example!
Patricia
Things that I do to build and maintain a positive instructor image:
1) On Time – I’m always in the classroom 15 to 30 minutes before students arrive. This way I can greet them as they enter.
2) Attire – My students have a uniform and so do I, so I respect this dynamic by wearing mine.
3) I can be wrong - Admit when I don’t know something, and promise to find the answer.
4) Humor - Laugh at myself
5) Be Prepared – have my lecture and activities ready
6) etc
I can create a positive instructor image by being in the classroom ahead of time so that I can greet the students, dress appropriately, and show enthusiasm.
Hi Joannie,
You've said it nicely! Lead by example!
Patricia
Hi Dixie,
What a creative way to conduct the first day. It makes sense.
Patricia
