I teach at a vocational cooking school and a great part of the learning experience is about attitude and behavior, in addition to the actual skills of the trade.
Vocational schools are challenging to the instructors, because sometimes the emphasis is on hoe talented the instructor is on the subject matter, and the delivery can fall by the way side. Being good at what you do as a trade, does not necessarily mean you are good at teaching it.
So before I started teaching, I gave much thought to all mentors I had, who inspired me, and also the negative experiences I had, and what demotivated me. It is a continuous process,but I strive to be to my students, what my mentors were for me. I try to inspire them with my passion for the craft, I try to motivate them by tapping into their passion for the craft, and most importantly, I just don't talk the talk, but I walk the walk.
April,
As learning leaders we need to be role models for our students as you mention so they know what the expectations are for them as they move through the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
David,
So true. I have experienced such many times in my career so I work very hard at being the learning leader I need to be so I can shape the personality of that class and help them to move forward with their learning opportunities.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Leading by example is a great way to show the students how to succede in their field. Dressing, speaking and acting in a professional manner in the classroom and out side of the classroom serves as an exellent role model and correct professionalism for the student to observe and remember in order to be successful.
Whole classes will develop attitudes or cultures based on their experiences. The instructor by shape this culture by being a honest and fair, but never a pushover.
Mark,
Both are good ways to engage students. Students really perk up when you give examples from the field. These stories help the content to come alive and have application to their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think the way the instructor presents his/her self to students is first. secondly, I think sharing stories about your work experiences is helpful.
Stacey,
You make a number of good points in your comments about the role of the learning leader in the classroom. You are right about the need to be able to show and model the conduct and expertise needed to provide care to patients.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
nurses need to learn to adapt to all situations and the environment around them regardless of the situation. students will learn by the way we as insructors handle difficlt situations with other students, peers and patients. we need to teach them to not compromise on integrity in a world where things go on that are queationable on a daily basis. our families and our patients deserve truth and honesty and we got on this field to help others.........
Heather,
The key is to dress in a way that reflects the standards of your career field. There is much variation on what this is but as long as you are a model for the field you will be fine.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe that as long as you dress like a professional and show your competencies in the classroom, hair color, tattoos etc., should not hinder learning.
Maribeth,
I am a big fan of field trips for the reason you state. Being on site of where there want to practice their career goes a long way with motivation and engagement. Gives them a taste of where they can go if they apply themselves.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am sure now, that my students do not know what professionalism is, or what it looks like. There are adult learners who not only need a role model,but an interpreter. A field trip to the desired professional envirnonment, they wish to be a part of, is a great way to help them see, touch and feel, where it is these courses can help them get to.
Jessica,
A lot on how this situation is perceived and handled will depend on the polices of your school and the career area that students are preparing to enter. We have a section in the Career Planning course that talks about perceptions and tattoos. Then the students can decide for themselves about tattoos. I have graduates come in a talk about the challenges of securing employment and career growth among the topics are tattoos in the work place.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In some professionalism guides it is advised to not have visible tattoos, yet in the real world it does not always hinder your employ-ability. As an instructor with visible tattoos how do I address that?
Cynthia,
Right you are. To do any less is to not present yourself as a representative of your career field or as professional educator.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
we must present ourselves with professionlism and demostrate the right conduct in our talk and walk. instructors must not only preach professional demeanors ... but be a living daily example.
Rhonda,
Consistency is essential if you are to retain control of the class. You can make adjustments as needed but your point about keeping everyone informed and following through is right on in terms of being the learning leader.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
There are so many facets that instructors need to focus on to become role models for our students. From the way in which we dress, to the way we start class on time and come early demonstrates our professionalism. Also, our language matters and the way in which we engage our students by displaying respect and courtesy. Also, we must remain consistent with our actions. For example, if I have stated in the syllabus and in my lectures that late assignments will not be accepted unless the student has a credible, documented excuse, I cannot change that policy on a whim. Students need to know that I am consistent with my policies so that they know what is expected in the real-world.
Jean,
You have put together a great instructional package. Your approach gives your students many opportunities to develop their technical and soft skills in relation to their career choice. Thank you for sharing these comments with us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
