Being a role model
The importance of being a role model is inportment When we keep the students interests as our main focus, they're going to respond favorably.
I agree that you don't automatically get a free pass at being a "role model", but I think maybe what the original poster was talking about was setting a good example. Not necessarily in the "look I am an upstanding citizen" kind of way, but more in the "watch me use proper grammar", "look at me treat everyone with respect and value their ideas and opinions", and "watch me model proper classroom behavior" kind of way.
Which, I agree with.
Incidentally, I also like your "5 things" activity. I do something similar to help connect with students. Too often the line between student and instructor is very boldly drawn. Not to say that boundaries aren't important, but by revealing a little bit of your personality you can go a long way to increasing rapport.
Hi Brian:
Congratulations! Nothing could be more inspiring to a teacher than something sincere such as you received. And you're right, it does underscore the importance we play in our students lives.
Regards, Barry
Hi Barry,
I found out that being a role model goes well beyond the classroom. When one of my students recently graduated she gave me a card that really brought it into perspective, thanking me for believing in her,trusting in her, and pushing her beyond what she thought she was capable of. What an awesome feeling to have such an impact on someone.
-Brian
I don't think that just being a teacher makes you a role model. Whatever field you instruct in you must know what you are talking about and have experience in that field in order to be a role model for that field.
I agree that students will model themselves after their instructors. Therefore it is important to be on your toes everyday.
Anytime you are looked upon for knowledge and understanding, you are a role model. Respect is something that is earned, as is trust, but the roll of being a "role model" is something that falls into your lap when you step into the classroom. This classroom may be anywhere from a Kindergarten class to a college institution. You have a certain expectation as a teacher to carry yourself in a positive manner, to not be biased, judgemental or take sides. If you cannot serve as a role model to students, who look up at you, who can?
I must disagree , in my mind being a teacher does not automatically make someone a role model. That is title we must earn. And the way I have choosen to earn that title is through competence and understanding. With a healthy dose of humility.The first day of class i ask my students to write down on a piece of paper the 5 most important things that I need to know about them. You would be amazed of some of the things i have seen! I also write down on the board the 5 most important things that my students nee to know about me. From starting class on time to my dogs name. You will find that students have a bond with you over something as seemingly generic as the name and breed of your beloved family pet.Give it a try and you will be surprised at you what you, the teacher, can learn from our students.
Hi Charles:
Students will look to the instructor as the lead and take their cues from his/her expectations. We do control how they view their studies.
Regards, Barry
Part of being an instructor/teacher is to help students learn .
Hi Catherine:
Good thoughts and a nice way to express it. Students look to us for leadership, learning, and guidence, and we owe them the best we have to offer. It's never too late for instructors to become better.
Regards, Barry
Being a role model is what I agreed to be when I became teacher. Teacher is what I choose to be. Should I wake up every morning and ask myself "am I doing my job right"?
Hi Deborah:
So true. It's kind of amazing what respect can do to bolster both the instructor and student morale. It's not surprising in these settings that student perform better.
Regards, Barry
I agree that the younger students need role models to follow. This helps to continue the professionalism that we need. If students respect you, they will want to model you in their chosen career. By setting the standards high will only help the profession.
Hi David:
Yes, that's flattering when students admire their instructor - to the point of copying personal traits that emulate the instructor. More common is verbiage or expressions of speech unique to that individual instructor. Unless there's some weird compulsive behavior type occuring, I think this is a latent demonstration of respect for the instructor.
Regards, Barry
I never realized what an important part we play in students lives. Over the years I have seen students copy the shoes I wear in the kitchen, drink the same soda or water I bring into class. When I walk in the class room its like being on stage and you have to be your best and most importantly be prepared.
Hi Wilmer:
Correct you are. Of course, we want to be positive role models of our profession or work setting. We also want to set the example for becoming responsible, accountable, knowledgeable, and proficient students. We can do this a little bit every day by example and early on, by defining class expectations.
Regards, Barry
Hi
Being a role model is not something we get to choose. Just being a teacher makes us a role model whether we like it or not. This shows the awesome responsibility we have to do the right things in class or out.
Wilmer Martin
Hi Nathaniel:
Role modeling is very closely related to standards - that is, what is the right thing at the right time. Absolutely the students look to their instruc for cues about what is appropriate. Wow! What a responsibility!
Regards, Barry
Hi Steve:
You're right, especially about our youger generation who brings a whole differnt dynamic to the classroom. But the importance of adequte role modeling is ageless, and it can be taught if tyhe instructor provides an environment for it.
Regards, Barry
