Lori,
So true and so important for the learning leader to model whenever student contact is made.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Lora, I like that you mentioned consistency. This is a very good model for everyone. Being consistent in all that we do, doesn't mean boring, it is a form of teaching by example or by commission.
I am in the medical field so I am always trying to make the material as relevant to what they may see in a medical office. My being on time to work, which means being in the classroom at least 10 minutes prior to my class starting is what I tell them they should be at their office. I try to never arrive late to my class. I am dressed in a clean, pressed uniform and always have my badge on and visible to the students. I try to model being prepared for work in many ways. My lesson plan is there, I stick to it most of the time, although there are times when questions from students bring new opportunities for "added-value education" as I call it, that may detour the lesson plan, but I can usually steer it back to the prepared lesson before too long. I get their work graded and handed back in a timely fashion and couldn't do this if I was unprepared for work, or "class." I also give them suggestions on how they can accomplish becoming prepared for work. We have used brainstorming sessions to give everybody ideas on how to get out of their house earlier, to how to get dressed more efficiently, how to get children up and ready in a more timely manner, was of packing breakfasts and lunches more economically and quicker. One of the other ways I try to model for the students is to treat each with respect and show that their opinion has value in the hope that they will see that this is a most important trait to bring with them into their medical office environment. I try never to speak unprofessionally at work. I guide students to use better word choices when they are conversing in class and when they are writing.
You be a role model by showing the students that you are organized upon arrival in class, and start right on time.
Katie,
I agree with you on this. If students do not leave school with an understanding of what it means to be and act professional in their field they are not going to be successful. You are helping them to develop into the next generation of professionals in your field and this is a big responsibility to fulfill.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I feel that one of the most the most important aspects to being a role model is modeling the profession. I make sure that I dress appropriately, talk appropriately and since we are a customer service based profession, talk to the students during conflict the way that I would want them to talk to customers.
Paul,
Well said and so important for us to remember in our planning and student interaction. We must set this standard and then live it for our students to do less is to short change them in their professional development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Personal accountability is a big part of being a role model. It starts with holding ourselves accountable to the standards we are holding students accountable for whether it be dress, punctuality, or words. We are accountable for our actions not only in the classroom but outside and should impart with our students whether adolescent or adult the same concept.
Nicholas,
This is a powerful message to send and for students to receive. They are studying with someone that has earned his living in the field and knows how to conduct himself in a professional manner. By following the modeling of their learning leader the students will be competitive when it comes to securing employment and growing in the field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As an instructor/trainer we have to remember that we are role model for the student. The instructor set the stand for behavior in the class room. To be a good mentor we must act as we would expect our employee to act within the field of study. All eyes are on the instructor they must be prepared each and every day, show up before the state of class and make sure you have all the teaching aids ds needed for the day class. Be professional in your interactions with your students. When a student performance is not acceptable, take the time to explain why one does not act that way on the job. I try to relate the importance of good ethic and how that relates to good job performance. Get to know your student and work to improve their weakness. Build the student self-confidence, they can do it, they have to believe in themselves. We are subject matter experts within our field and know what it takes to be successful, our conduct will rub off on the student.
Nick
Richard,
You are such a rich resource for your students since you have done so much in your field and are now bringing that experience to the classroom. This increases the value of the course content to the students since they know you are offering them content that has been proven in the field and is relevant.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My philosophy has always been to lead by example. Having been in the field for over 40 years, having run a successful business and having helped other businesses succeed gives one a lot of good and bad experiences. Explaining what works, as well as what to watch out for as far as what doesn't work (and why)is a huge advantage for students to hear.
Benjamin,
You are most welcome. I wish you continued teaching success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Dr. Meers,
Thank You. I hadn't thought about it that way. I can definitely understand that earning their respect through careful preparation, organization, and caring about them as individuals will take away the need for me to try to prove to them that I am worthy of my position of authority. Thanks again.
Benjamin,
The way to do this is to be prepared, organized and demonstrate that you care about them as individuals. This way you will earn their respect and when they respect you you will not be seen as arrogant but as a part of their career development due to your leadership and knowledge.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
1.) Follow the dress code of the college and the profession.
2.) Conduct yourself like you did every day of your career before becoming an instructor.
3.) Continue to work on and implement a professional development plan. If students see that I am continuing to improve myself as an instructor, hopefully they will do the same as a student and throughout their own careers.
A situational question on this topic: I will be teaching as a Personal Trainer Instructor. As such, exercise demonstration and explanation will be a part of the instruction. My question; What is the best way to demonstrate exercises effectively while maintaining my authority as Learning Leader without trying to impress my students with my physical prowess. I want to appear confident, not arrogant.
Deborah,
You are establishing yourself as a learning leader with this approach. You are modeling the soft skills needed for career success while telling them about the technical skills they are going to need to enter the field. This combines both parts of career development that students need.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Modeling behaviors to help my students to succeed in their career field begins when I walk into the classroom: I'm prepared, I dress and act as a professional in my field (in my case, I am wearing clean laundered scrubs, the correct shoes, the correct hygiene, i.e., no nail polish, simple jewelry, hair up if it is long, etc.), I respectfully listen and interact with my students as adults, and I demonstrate how teaching them they become teachers.
Joseph,
Good advice for instructors to follow. This is what being a learning leader should be about. Thank you for these comments.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
There are a lots of ways we can be roll models for our students.Everyone's career is import, you should be able to perform it to the best of your ability,so take the time to be prepared for when it time to work. We as instructors should lead my example. Be on time, look professional in your uniform, Conduct yourself like a professional at all times. Treat your students with respect and they will respect you back. Treat them like adults, do not hold yourself in such high regards that you forget that you where in their shoes at time.
