One of the most important thing you can do is to adhere to deadlines. An instructor should be on tiime to class and should return graded assignments on a timely basis.
I tell stories and use examples with humor. Working with patients and over 40 years of experience in the field, I basically have seen just about everything and start with funny stories. Then expand with whatever the goal of the lecture is and have discussions of different directions and applications that may have happened. It seems though, the adult learner remembers the stories of life and can relate to some if not most of the happenings and therefore engage with me.
Korey,
This is such a critical part of the learning process. These are the soft skills that are needed for career success. By modeling them you are showing through example what the expectations are for the students as they develop in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Stefanie,
What I have done in situations like this is to create a "reminder game" where when a student uses a layman term we let them know and then they lose points or if they use dental terms they earn points. It is a fun reminder for them to use the proper terms and the end result is that they start using the desired terms while having fun with the game. We never do the reminding in the presence of patients so we maintain our professional demeanor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe instructors should teach by example. Teaching a class on workplace readiness, I always made sure that my students could look to me as an example of how a professional dresses and conducts themselves. I would model dressing for an interview, and would coach them through the interview process, demonstrating how to speak to a job recruiter.
I am currently a clinical instructor for a Dental Hygiene program. The students keep using "layman" terms instead of the clinical terms. Since they are still in the process of learning these terms and using them to communicate with patients, I have been trying NOT to use the lay terms. I am trying to be consistent in using dental terms when speaking with them and with their patients, so that they can not only learn the terms, but because I think it will help them in their professional development as well. Thoughts?
Heather,
It is the repeated modeling of the correct procedures and professional behavior that really sinks into the minds and practices of students. Your approach is doing that with each interaction you have with your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In the clinical arena, as an instructor and role model, you must practice what you preach and do things within your scope of practice and nursing laws to the state you are licensed in. Doing the 5 rights of med administration when students are present is an example of being a good role model.
Mary,
This is what modeling should be about. I commend you for your effort and I am sure your students are taking note of how you dress and conduct yourself in relation to preparing for success as vet tech. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I instruct in the veterinary technology field. Not only do I make sure I'm dressed in appropriate, clean and neat scrubs. I wear appropriate shoes and jewelry. In lab, I always have a watch with a second hand and a stethoscope . If students are dressed inappropriately or are missing an important item, I do talk with them about how they would be perceived on the job, not only by their colleagues, but their clients/patients as well. I also try to demonstrate a strong work ethic, professional demeanor , and timeliness. I hope it all doesn't go unnoticed!
Following the P&P of the school is one way to set into standards a role model that can teach the students that everyone must follow directions.
Jeanie,
This cannot be emphasized too much because it is essential to and for student career success. They need to see in us models of our field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Hayli,
Thank you for sharing this story with us of how modeling is so important to the development of students. You are setting the stage for their success via your modeling efforts of dress as well as language and conduct.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Follow the old antic practice what you preach. Emulate the behavior you want your students to exhibit. In our industry communication skill are imperative as we need to be able to hear what are patrons are requesting of us, while offering professional customer service. A calm and professional attitude while dealing with customers, will show your students how to handle those difficult clients.
As a new instructor in the cosmetology field I'm seeing that instructors following the schools dress code is important to the students. The students dislike wearing lab jackets on warm days so to show them it's important I wear mine everyday. I've had students approach me and thank me for wearing it.
Damona,
I use case studies and role playing in my classes for the reasons you list. They are great ways to show students both relevance and application. Thanks for sharing how role playing really helped your students to become involved.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Maria,
Like your saying and it is such an important part of the total career development needed by students. The more you can simulate the workplace the easier the transition will be for the students upon program completion.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I recently had students roll play different situations that may or may not be appropriate in the service industry, then discuss why it is or is not appropriate. Things like talking on your cell phone while serving a client, how to make a great first impression, or how to handle a difficult or angry client. The students seemed to really enjoy the roll play, they were engaged in the discussions. We discussed ways that I have handled situations and how maybe it could have been better handled.
As an instructor of makeup artistry, it is critical as the instructor to model/simulate the behaviors of artists on a freelance job. This means on lab days, the instructors work station is completely set up, sanitized and ready for the first demonstration model. Teach them by example the saying "early s on time, on time is late and late never happens."
Terrance,
This phrase is dead on when it comes to being the learning leader for the class. We instructor are going to be models for our students as a result of our position so we need to "walk the talk" in all areas of our interaction with students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
