Language
This can a very difficult area for many students. sometimes they use inappropriate language in the class room. On the other hand they can be offended when the instructor does so.
I have had students comment to me on other instructors use of rough language in the class room. The consensus (at least from the ones that I have spoken with) is that they not only find is offensive, but that they recommend other students to stay away from these instructors if at all possible.
We, as instructors must always remember to conduct ourselves as professionals.
It can be a difficult line to walk in my program, which is music business. I refrain from using inappropriate language, but have difficulty saying that it won't be tolerated in the classroom if that is part of the music students are creating. The industry as a whole is very tolerant of rough (some would say foul) language, and forbidding it in both the classroom and in projects while trying to stay current and relevant is very difficult. I try to encourage more creativity in language without condemning what is being said outright.
That being said, I won't tolerate that type of language from students in classroom discussions.
Offensive or "rough" language is not the only type of language that is inappropriate. A person can be excruciatingly "correct" in speech and never use foul language and yet discourage and put down others. I think it is more important that language be used as learning tool as much as a communication tool. For instance, my students are often thrilled to know that the name "Peter" mens "rock" or that the word "Noun" literally means "(to) name".
great point,being professional would almost require you not to use profane language or even derogatory coments, if we were to do so we would appear to be and would be a hypocrite.I personaly like setting an example by trying to use the english language to best of my ability ,and prove that you don't have to use the "F" bomb or "s" bomb as a filler word, it is pretty cool when you see a student make an attempt to clean up their language.
I see this as an opportunity to teach students the importance of professionalism. Mentioning studies such as the one above could be very beneficial to students since many have never worked in a professional setting and may not even realize what a turn off their language is.
Hi Trefor,
That is what a true professional is all about, being prepared and serving as a leader. Sounds like you have that concept understood very clearly. Keep up the good attitude and it will serve you well.
Gary
neither do I ...but sometimes must admit i find it hard to do ....
the instructor does set the standard ...and that is why I believe in trying to be the best I can when teaching or working....being prepared with all relative notes,attitude dress and even checking I wear deodorant :)j
Hi Brandi,
The instructor does set the standard and I believe strongly that that standard should be hight. Instructors are the models of the career area they are instructing within so they need to give the students a picture of what a professional should be like.
Gary
After reading all of the very interesting comments, I agree that professionalism is a must in the classroom. I remember in my undergraduate and graduate years in college, I had professors who had great professionaliam and some others who cursed like sailors. I respected the professors who were extremely professional, but I also found myself compelled by the professors who would use profanity. It was entertaining! But the classroom should be about education and not necessarily about entertainment. It was somewhat distracting. Personally, I do not use profanity in my classes.
I agree, it does not matter what Profession you are in, Language is a big issue and a very important part of Professionalism
Hi Michael,
Well said. Thanks for the examples I know these will be of help to other participants.
Gary
I always remember, as an instructor, I set the the standard for what is acceptable and what is not. On the first day of class I address this issue of language up front. I use examples of what I have seen in the industry and how a Dealership I had worked at actually lost sales because of a Technician that could not control his language and was subsiquently terminated because of what the supervisor calld lack of production, but we all knew better.
A good expample of language control that I use is a quote from the movie Platoon. One soldier is going home on leave, and his freind asks him "HOW ARE YOU GONNA ACT". He then tells him about the time he went home for Thanksgiving and how he complimented his mom on the dinner, These potatos are F'n great. The sauce is F'n outstanding", So how you gonna act?.
I think that is a great example. If you don't want your mom to hear it, why should sombody elses mom hear it.
THINK ABOUT IT.
Hi Marco,
The key is to set the tone for the class. Be professional in your approach and let the students know exactly what you expect of them. Be consistent in your approach and much of the talking/language and gossiping will cease.
Also, put them into different groups so they don't have the chance to always hang with their group. This will help them to focus on the course and not each other.
Gary
I have a question. What are some of the techniques you use to control language and gossip in the classroom?
professional language is essential in developing new professionals in any area.
i agree that this is critical in developing new professionals
I agree, I have decided I will not tolerate any profanity in my class at all. Taking points and a lot of them depending on what is said.
Hi Stephen,
Well said! We have to be model in the positive sense to do otherwise is to be negative models.
Gary
You've hit a good point, Mr. Meers. As an instructor you have to think beyond appropriate language just in the school enviornment. How are these young adults going to have pride and professionalism in the field if we cant introduce these values in the classroom ourselves? We stand exposed in front of the students for several hours a day. Everything we say and do is examined and picked apart by the students. Also, how does it reflect on our company if the product we put in the workforce acts in a manner that is unfavorable? Would we as consumers return to a business in which we received unprofessional service?
