We model behaviors that help students to succeed by showing our own professionalism. We should participate in our local associations of our professional organization. Support having community resource professionals come into the class to share with students the "real world." We need to model being a learner ourselves by listening to and interacting with any speakers we bring into the classroom. Speak with the students about professional experience that you have had personally. Model your active participation in your field by keeping up to date and on top of new developments. Modeling behavior has been found to be one of the most successful methods of transferring instruction to learning.
Rochelle,
Your comments about how to conduct yourself as an instructor as you both lead the class in learning as well as interact with the students is what being a role model is about. We all need to remember we are being observed by our students in all that we do and say and as a result we need to reflect our professionalism.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Modeled behaviors for student success include arriving early, starting and ending class on time, communicating clearly and professionally, and dressing professionally. Clearly, class management includes how we as instructors interact with our students both in the classroom environment as well as individual interaction which may occur during individual counseling or tutoring sessions. The way we handle classroom conflict and manage student difficulties also models appropriate conflict-management skills. Students are quite aware of instructor behavior, and if we expect professionalism from them, we should also be held accountable to those same standards.
Lora,
Being a role model like this is what teaching should be about. Helping students to see the value of the content being offered, sharing examples that can be applied and then conducting one's self as a professional gives a complete picture to the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Ciara,
Being a role model outside of class is almost as important as the role in the classroom. Walking the walk is a must whatever the setting because students are always looking to those in authority and we cannot disappoint them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a role model, it is very important to give examples of real experiences that apply to the course topics and materials whenever possible. I also agree that setting the tone of being on time for class and being consistent are important behaviors to model for your students.
Everyone has made good points and just to add to that, I believe the instructors should mirror role models outside of the classroom as well. That includes in the hallways, talking with fellow teammates (instructors), out to lunch (near campus), and at all times. Because it's not only about dressing, talking, and imitating a good professional, but actually living it.
Jane,
Are there any other aspects of being a role model that you would like to share with other instructors, especially those that are just starting their teaching careers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I can be professional by dressing professionally, being prepared for class, and treating students with respect. I believe that it is obvious when an instructor is not prepared for class, and that is not professional.
I can be professional by dressing professionally, being prepared for class, and treating students with respect. I believe that it is obvious when an instructor is not prepared for class, and that is not professional.
Leslie,
It is important to reinforce them with positive support at times during a course. It is easy to get worn down part of the way through a course and forget how much has been learned and how much progress has been made toward one's career goals. Reminders help to fire them up again and help them to finish the course with enthusiasm.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with you about positivity. Sometimes the students can be negative and I try to help them remember to point out a positive experience, (i.e. something that they learned in clinical.)
Dorothy,
Right you are about being a role model for your students. By reflecting professionalism in all that you do you are being that role model. This helps them to see the type of person they need to be in the workplace if they are to have a successful career.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Being on time, appropriate dress, and demonstrating accountability as well as holding students accountable are ways to model professional behaviors.
I have students in the clinical area. When we are out at clinical, I maintain professionalism. Having students observe this is a good way to be a role model to them.
John,
You are on the right track with your professional development. All of these strategies will help you to expand your expertise as an educator.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a Server engineer, one of the hardest task I deal with is troubleshooting. It is sometimes impossible to know every new update or change to your server will impact the application on it. First and foremost patience is required, and by dealing with your students in the same manner; it can help them feel at ease when they are faced with a dilemma or issue. By reaching out to other professors or individuals who can help me improve my style and skills; will also reaffirm that working in a team environment is needed in most career fields today.
Aiko,
We have to lead by example if we are going to earn the respect of our students. If we are not good examples then we will not be able to move our student forward in their learning nor develop rapport with them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe an effective way to for instructors to be role models is to lead by example. If we expect our students to behave in a specific fashion, we must also display the same behavior. There is no room for hypocrisy when setting rules in any environment.
Gina,
This is how it should be as the learning leader. You are setting the standard for your students and showing them how a professional in their field should dress and conduct herself.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I show up to class 15-20 minutes prior to each class daily. I dress appropriately, no crazy make-up, no over powering perfume. I review professional expectations to all students at the end of the program ( showing up on time, body language, accountability).
