Kimberly,
We need to be the learning leader for our students and as a result we need to model the behaviors, dress, language and conduct that we expect from our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
jokes and humor can be two different things. jokes are kind of a one trick pony. you tell it, you may or may not laugh you move on in conversation. However humor in its own right has amazing properties. It can cure awkward silences, it can diffuse a tense situation, it can take a timid student open them up. You can even calm a stressed student with just getting them to crack half a smile. In the right hands humor is an amazing tool when used properly.
One behavior that needs to be modeled form day one is a firm and consistent class structure. I am a new instructor and over the past few months i have noticed the great disservice i do for my student when i waver on class structure. Deep down I'm a softie, but that is defiantly more of a hindrance then a help to my students when it comes to an expected level of professionalism. If i lower the expected level of professionalism because I'm trying to be too nice i cause them to also lower their own levels of professionalism.
I feel that some ways you can model behaviors in the class rooms are Always expect them (Students) to be held accountable for their Absents, tardies, and missing assignments.
Mark,
I commend you for your energy and your professionalism after such a long day. You are showing your students the passion you have for your field and this is the type of model we need leading our students. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am a part-time instructor teaching part-time students. I strive for the highest levels of professionalism, showing them that I am taking my role as an instructor seriously. I'm wrapping up a 14-hour workday by the time we're done, but I make sure they know I'm glad to be here.
I think that can be an important example for my students to take their education seriously and make the sacrifices needed to see it through. Hopefully that will carry over into their chosen careers.
Gene,
Key point for instructors to remember. Good listeners are going to enjoy a lot of success with students. Good listening really enhances the development of rapport and respect with students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In addition to the behaviors already discussed, promptness, neatness and preparedness, I make every effort to field questions in a professional manner by listening, then crafting the best answer I can. Some of my best past teachers were those who would take the time to listen. By modeling this essential behavior, I am preparing my students for the unexpected.
In addition to the behaviors already discussed, promptness, neatness and preparedness, I make every effort to field questions in a professional manner by listening, then crafting the best answer I can. Some of my best past teachers were those who would take the time to listen.
Maria,
Right you are about the impact we have on the lives of our students. We need to always be mindful of this as we conduct ourselves and have interaction with our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I feel that instructors play a major Role in a students life. No matter if its a career college or a 4 year college. That student my spend an average of 20-30 hrs a week with an instructor. Students, no matter how young are old, are watching everything you do. If its your attitude, demeanor, professionalism, compassion to a student teaching or even your non verbal communication. By being aware of all these things you can help a student to succeed in life.
LYDIA,
Good plan for you to follow. You will be a learning leader that your students can emulate throughout their careers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Michael,
This is such an important part of what we need to be about as instructors.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I can be a role model by being excited about teaching. I will dress and speak professionally, start on time and show concern for my students.
My experience with my instructors displaying such great examples in class set the precedent to enter the professional world, as well as my teaching career.
MICHAEL,
What are some successful ways you have developed to provide these examples?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Maintain professionalism and attempt to incorporate real life examples where appropriate
Alfonso,
This is so sad because students have an expectation of their instructor and that is to be a role model for them. When it doesn't occur the students are left to wonder if they should listen to anything the instructor says.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree and have seen other instructors not set this example for their classes and hear and see the negative reaction from the students.
Dana,
Yes you will. You have to practice and model your expectations. If you don't then you are going to have a tough time being the learning leader.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
