Get Your Students Hired
I think the phrase "walk the talk" is one to keep in mind concerning modeling behaviors. Students notice immediately whether or not you comply with the dress code, are on time, and that your actions are consistent with the professional behavior in the field that you are lecturing upon. People tend to pay more attention to your actions than your words. If students see a disconnect between the action/words of the instructor, their confidence in the instructor is diminished.
Lea Ann,
Good way to demonstrate the expectations of your field through dress, conduct and language. This sets the stage for your students upon which they can build their own professional development and success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a medical professional I make sure that I comply with the dress code in order to set a good example for my students. I also ensure that I am on time, have a positive attitude and maintain a professional atmosphere in my class room.
Pam,
This is a good approach because this illustrates to your students that you have field experience that you are bringing to the classroom/lab. This enhances your professional credentials to the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Logan,
You make a very good point about your dress in relation to being outside of the classroom but still in a professional setting. Knowing that you are a professional and dressing such is important for your students to observe even if it is on Friday and there are not classes. You are sending a message and setting a standard for your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Melannie,
You are helping to shape their future career success via their development in the behavior and social conduct arena. I think this is a very valuable service you are offering. If the students don't have the ability to communicate clearly and present themselves as professionals they are not going to be successful in their career areas. The more you can help them in this area the better. Also, you are not being mean you are just showing them what the expectations are going to be when they are out working so keep up the effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I completely agree modeling dress and language when as an instructor in class as well on campus. since our campus does not have classes on friday and students usually do not come in I still dress in professional dress, since I may come in contact with a student or even a potenttial student. dont get me wrong I am ok with casual fridays and things like that, but when you represent a school or program and are subject to have students needing to talk to you or if a potential student is there it is still good to look the part. These things go along way.
This one is vital for students. The students that I have live in very urban areas and haven't had a lot of polish in their daily lives. This means that they need to have someone to model their behaviors after as well as continue to expect these behaviors from them daily.
As I have mentioned, I don't swear or yell in my classes - I don't need to and I tell my students that if you can't do it at work, you can't do it in my classroom. I also explain that cell phones must be off or silent and show them that I keep it with me, so they know that I follow these same rules.
I also tell my students that they are docked when they are late to class, or late from break, because if you cannot be late at work, then you cannot be late in class. I explain they need to realize that school is a job and they have to treat it like a job. I am not late to class, which helps them realize the importance of being on time.
I also tell them if they do something good, because if they hear positive reinforcement, they will want to do the behavior again. If they do something wrong, then I correct it immediately. For example, if someone tries to eat in my class, I will call them out in the middle of class on it. This typically embarrasses most students and they won't do it again because they don't want to be the center of attention. It seems mean, but it works well. Most students respond positively overall.
Abigail,
I think this is a great service for students. You are modeling and helping your students to acquire the needed career skills that will help them during their job search.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always conduct mock interviews where the students must come to class with a resume and in appropriate interview apparel. Their grade is based upon: resume format/correctness for the position they are applying for, their greeting/hand shake, interview skills/conduct (eye contact, etc.), responses to challenging questions, and follow-up.
Of course, we have practiced and reviewed all of this in class ahead of time, before their "final interview". Essentially I demonstrate, or model, appropriate interview etiquette and behavior.
Madelaine,
Good way to show your students the standards of your profession while modeling the dress, behavior and conduct of a learning leader. This is such an important part of the total educational experience.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As the instructor, I will help them succeed in their career field by being their model like be a professional at all times. Being the model, I have to dress professionally. I have to wear clothes that projects I am a professional. I have to use proper language, report to work on time.
Stephen,
This level of professionalism will help you with your classes and the career development of your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am new to the instructor role, however I strongly agree that dress,conduct, and attitude embody a professional.
Brian,
This is so important because as the learning leader and the representative of your career areas to are a model to and for your students. Helping them to see what is expected of them in their field will ease their transition into the work world.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Robert,
I agree with your post. This is very important. Instructors must model professionalism and it begins with their appearance and then their verbal communication.
One of the ways for me Is to set a good example.
As most students look up to their instructors for guidance and as a compitant person. I hope some of my students set good examples so thats others will follow!
Michelle,
This in my opinion is a great way to teach because you are bringing the most current examples into the class. The students get to hear about what happened and how it was handled and this is a great way to motivate them to focus on their education and career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a working sonographer I feel like I can bring my real world experiences into the classroom for my students. I will very often bring up a situation that happened to me during the day and tell the studets how I handled it. Then we have a discussion about how it might have been handled better, or differently. I find it to be a very sucessful part of my teaching strategy.