Angela,
This is such an important part of being a learning leader. I commend you for your standing by the dress code of the school. Modeling dress as you are gives you leverage when it comes to seeking the cooperation of your students in other areas of career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Even though my dress code is different than that of my students, I try to model a close resemblance to theirs. I find that this shows them that I am willing to do the same as what is expected of them. I follow the same rules that are set for them as well. Sometimes I see other instructors that may bend a rule because "I'm the Instructor so I can". I find that you can begin to loose the respect of your student and they take on the attitude of "Why should I when they don't".
Robert,
This is a very good caution to share with instructors. We all need to be sure we establish a professional relationship with our students and maintain the boundaries of this relationship. This will help instructors to retain their role as the learning leader of the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think being professional at all times is very important, taking time to talk and know your students, and always being friendly be don't be friends. This can put you on the same level with the student and degrades you teaching abilities.
LaNeisha,
Right you are about needing to modeling the dress, language and conduct expected of a professional in each of our respective fields. Your point about we being maybe the first person they have met from the field is accurate because I encounter it all the time. We are setting the standard for our field and our students so it needs to be a high standard for sure.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe that modeling behavior that is expected in the students field of choice is important. Our students come from very diverse backgounds and professionalism on this level may be new to them. Some students may have never been to a dentist or a hospital so as an instructor we offer them a glimpse of what is expected through our behavior such as; sttendance , apperance, professional language, honesty , interigty, etc
Laura,
It is important for instructors to admit to the mistake and then move on. If an instructor doesn't then that issue tends to hang around and impact future class activities. Thank you for bringing up this point.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think this is hard for instructors to admit when they have made a mistake, but invaluable for setting the appropriate example for your students.
Mary,
This is so important because the instructor is not only the learning leader but also a model for students. Instructors need to remember this as they interact with students in every situation both in class and out.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is important for an instructor to be on time, organized, and ethical.
Aleah,
Thank you for reinforcing this concept. A number of instructors have told me that it doesn't matter how you dress or conduct yourself the students are only interested in what you teach them. I have a hard time with this because it does matter as you say. We need to be models of our profession in all that we do not just in the content we share.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As an instructor in the fashion department, my way of dressing is especially important because it directly relates to course content. Students see me as an example of how to dress for success. My style is authentic to me, and I orally applaud my students for expressing themselves through their fashion and style choices. They take what they wear to class very seriously, I over heard students chatting in our last class about how they always think about what they wear to class. It matters.
Veronica,
The foundation of respect forms the basis of rapport so it is important that we establish a good relationship with our students right from the beginning of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jennifer,
Well put in terms of the role we instructors fill for our students. Yes, we are models for them as we may be the first individuals with whom the students have spent any time from their chosen field. We need to reflect in every way our expectations for our students as they prepare to enter the field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree, Instructors must be professional role models for respect as well as someyhing the students can take with them
As Instructors, it is important that we gain the trust and confidence of the students.
Student will see the instructor as role models if the students see that their instructor is:
*on time every day for class and happy to teach *prepared with instructional materials
*with interesting classwork that will reinforce their newly gained knowledge or skills
*knowledgeable but a caring and an emphatetic individual
Nelia,
You may be the first person your students have every met or at least spent any time with that comes from their field. Your modeling of the appropriate behaviors, language, dress and interpersonnal skills helps them to see that they need to develop themselves in this fashion if they are going to be successful in their career. A powerful way to impact their lives.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Being a good role model can help students succeed in their chosen field. Demonstrating professionalism in job place is the number one factor that can show one's credibility. Other behaviors include respecting others, being punctual, dressing appropriately, and communicating properly.
Arthur,
These simple words and the fact you took time to express them means a lot to students. This type of encouragement may mean the difference between staying in school or dropping out.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I feel that praise and "good job" lets a student feel a sense of accomplishment and helps keep them motivated. It shows students that your examples are reflected in there work and behavior.
