Creating a positive instructor image
What steps can you take to create a positive instructor image?
Hi Rebecca,
Night students deserve the same engergy level that we as instructors give our day students. Reenergizing is key in order to keep night students interested.
Patricia
Be Ready on time for class! Respect the students time just as they would my time.
I once had a Dean say, "if you hate your job outside of teaching, when you get on this campus you need to find the most positive way to come in and energize these night students."
Make sure that you dress the part and exemplify professionalism in the way you prepare for class, present, and interact with your students.
Hello David:
It is great when you can share information on not only your own credentials, but how they can also achieve the same level of competency. In my field, certification is critical to true success, and heightens respect of the public. I tell students that if they are persistent in their approach to gaining knowledge, they will succeed. The students can relate to this, and makes it more human for them.
Best,
Susan
Hi Richard,
I concur! An instructor can be friendly, but being firm and fair will generate respect from your students.
Patricia
One may (WITHOUT BRAGGING)state your experience in the field,and give an exciting situation that you have encountered in the field.Let the sudent's know that they too will be having similar experiences.Always dress for success.Be kind and fair but firm,and they will respect you.
Hi Carol,
Great points! It is evident that you display professionalism to your students.
Patricia
Hi Jessica,
I love it how you put your students first! You are right, it is all about the students! We've had our hay day so to speak.
Patricia
Hi Colin,
We as educators should always carry ourselves professionally. We are watched in everything that we do.
Patricia
In addition to dressing professionally, being prepared and having only the needed material on a desk helps materially, as it demonstrates organization.
How you carry yourself, from your dress to your speech and handling disturbances and akward moments.
I like to be prepared and have detailed assignments, hand outs, grading rubrics, and plans in place before we begin. However, I use it as a guide and always try to maintain flexibility and remember that the class is not about me. It is about them. I tell my students from day one that everyone is welcome in my classroom, that, no matter who or what they were before, they can create a new positive image of themselves, and that we are in this together. I keep samples of my work and will work through a problem/scenario/example with them to show that I'm not just talk but also action. I admit my mistakes and grow from them.
1) Be prepared for each class
2) Speak with authority but not in a dictatorial mannner
3) Dress as a professional at all times
4) Be friendly, but don't be their friend
5) Tell students to feel free to ask questions I tell them, if I don't know the answer, I will find it for them--and then I tell them how I found it
6) I learn their names before the second (or if a really large class, the third) class
I think first your students need to know who is in charge of the class/lab. Second there should be respect on both sides, and third,instructions or assignments must be clear and offer a degree of learning to the student.
Tom
Hi Patricia,
With the internet providing plenty of information about all of us, it is important for professors to build their brand in the classroom and online. I have found students who have researched my background even before the first night of class.
Thus, I try to build a professional brand that speaks to my work experience and teaching experience. I believe it's important for students to see how your background relates to the subject matter. This builds their confidence in you. But, it is also important to stay humble. Students appreciate learning from your "school of hard knocks" moments.
Brands are about authenticity, and students will respond to a relevant, trustworthy, professional brand.
Best wishes,
Rick
Steps that create a positive instructor image include the likes of professional dress, knowing your students by name, being organized, knowing the subject matter, being fair but firm, and "don't let 'em see ya sweat."
That's sounds helpful. My experience has shown me that students are often afraid of failing or doing something stupid.
To create a positive instructor image, I think it starts with been professionally dressed and very organized. Also when I go in the classroom I have to show the student that I am willing to answer all their questions and queries that makes the student feel comfortable with me.
Hi Kerri,
As educators we need to reevaluate ourselves to ensure that we are selling ourselves to our students so that we can be the best we can be, thus making them the best that they can be.
Patricia
