Landis,
This is what a learning leader should be about. You are earning the respect of your students while developing rapport with them. This sets the stage for some very enjoyable learning to occur.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Russell,
Good point about professionalism. We have to walk the walk for our students if we are going to be role models for them as they develop their own career styles.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with all the others that have posted.
Always be excited about the subject you are teaching. Computer science is not a problem, when teaching my Math class that can be challenging at times, but have always got to be excited about teaching and the students will be excited about learning.
Professional Dress, I always wear a shirt, tie, and are well groomed for every class.
Punctual - I am always in the classroom at least 15-30 minutes prior to the start of the class. This also allows me to "bond" with the students, allows them to ask for clarification on materials they studied overnight, etc.
Always prepared. I always have class materials ready at least 24-48 hours prior to when they are needed. I have back up plans in case computers, whiteboards, etc are not available or are not working properly.
Always be willing to go the extra mile to ensure the students are 100% certain they understand the material before moving on the next subject or as a minimum have a plan to work with the students having problems.
Landis
Landis
You can help your students succeed in their career field by being organized, always carry professional demeanor, exemplify professional behavior in the classroom and explain how this translates into the 'real world', and be punctual and prepared. Failing to model these behaviors in your classroom will easily influence your students to model themselves after these poor traits. Create an environment in the classroom that you would want in the professional world everyday.
Anthony,
These two elements are so important in the teaching process. Knowing you care about them as individuals and are there to support them if they are willing to do the needed work goes a long way in helping students to stay in school and be successful. This is the human aspect of teaching and student growth.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I would say the best model you can provide for your students is by demonstrating compassion and empathy. In any profession, the ability to connect and interact with people is essential. By being empathetic to students, and compassionate towards their needs, it demonstrates a crucial skill and fosters an air of constructiveness.
James,
Good point and one to consider as you are sharing your advice and career success strategies with students. The advice needs to be targeted and valued by the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Some simple but important factors that an instructor can inculcate his/her students regarding the importance of succeeding in a particular field of study is professionalism at all times. A large mention of the appropriate wardrobe makes up a percentage and should not be over-looked by behaviors such as being on time, doing what you say you are going to do, and setting the example which can (in my opinion) supersede questionable wardrobe (since wardrobe to some students may become subjective). In my field of study, critical decisions that are timely and accurate are the cornerstone to a successful career. So, the model behavior has to be very selective and must focus on the field of study. Meaning, the model behavior has to reflect the specific aspect of each individual field of study instead of a "cookie cutter" approach.
BRENDA,
This is such important part of their career development. You are right about customer relations being lost today. If your students learn how to treat patients has individuals and in a professional way it won't be long before they set themselves apart once they are out in the workplace. You are doing a great service to them by having this emphasis on customer service.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to focus on professionalism, living by the "golden rule". Too often these days the term customer service is barely recognizable. I like to teach my students to interact with their patients, listen to them, smile and show you care. That not only makes a better dental visit for the patient but the student learns the importance of professionalism. I will do role play of different situations in a dental setting and how they should respond or how would they feel if the response to them was negative. It does help them understand the importance of it, caring for their patients.
Brian,
This is a great way to stay current in your field in terms of the content and best practices you bring to your students. They are getting cutting edge insight into their career area.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I continue to work part-time in radiology. Not only does this help me to keep my skills fresh, it allows me to bring back pertinent knowledge about our field to the classroom.
Bernard,
Well said a a set of things an instructor needs to do in order to be the learning leader of the class. Each of these items helps students to see the value of self discipline and personal effort as it relates to the workplace.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Starting class on time and being organized. Students learn from example. To be successful in the field, being on time and organized is essential.
Dona,
Great list of ways to be a role model for students. Each of these elements are critical to the development of a total picture for students. They need to see their learning leader demonstrating each of the items on your list and the result will be an understanding of what it takes to be successful in their career area.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Conduct yourself in an encouraging, positive manner. Empathize that you can understand your student's situation, relate if possible, but provide examples how you as the instructor or another student were able to achieve success given a similar circumstance.
Avoid being buddies with students. Treat everyone fairly while providing genuine interest in your students' progress. Dress the part of a professional, act the part, be confident and competent at all times. Be a leader and lead by example.
Heather,
Thank you for making this point. It is a two way street between students and faculty. We need to show respect for our students by starting and stopping on time and being prepared just as we expect them to be on time and prepared as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think besides being on time to class, finishing on time is also a way to model professionalism. Students are allowed a 10 minute break after 50 min. of classroom time. My students were pleased the first day I taught when I stopped on time and then started back up on time. They said other instructors continue talking through the break time. They said it showed I respect their time by allowing them a break when it was supposed to happen.
Nancy,
This is such an important point. Thank you for this reminder. We need to make sure our students understand this as they move through their professional training. They need to make sure and be careful of anything they say or post so they will not be haunted by it later.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As an instructor modeling to our students, it is vital that our "social media" reflect our professionalism as well. I have seen more than one instance where a student or former student had posted some less than professional comments. If I were an employer looking to hire, I would think long and hard about a future employee whose "social media" was less that professional.
