Instructors are seen in many ways by students. In order to become a role model, one must obtain the students notice and respect. If the instructor can spark a note of recognition of the positives in being a professional in demeanor, appearence, and actions, then the student will begin to emulate the behaviors that the instructor would hope to instill in his class. As a past practicing medical professional, it is my opinion that being approachable, being personable, and being open to discuss concerns goes a long way to gaining individual respect and admiration. Once the student has seen the instructor as a consumate professional, then they in turn begin to emulate the professional behaviors. Do as I do, not as I say is the way to be a role model. Do as I say, but dont do as I do.. frustrates the student, cheapens the learning experience, and sets the stage for discord.. in my opinion
I think you have to be respectful to students and be accessible.
Hi Lois,
Your students are fortunate to have an instructor like you. You set both the ethical and professional standards for your profession. This is so important because you are dealing in people's lives and so the highest ethics must be practiced. Thanks for sharing these goals. They are inspiring for everyone.
Gary
Hi Daniel,
Simple yet powerful advice for all instructors.
Gary
Hi Toshia,
I do to. My students really get engaged when I use them. I think they are a powerful learning tool. They also help the content to come alive and become real to them since they have to make decisions about how to approach different situations.
Gary
To always uphold the integrity of the Profession for which I am part of and represent. Surgical Technology is an honorable profession which has no tolerance for dishonesty. I am at all times honest with my students and lead them toward the goal of their success. In essence I transfered the honesty and integrity I uphold for the life of my patients, to my students. I tell my students I am committed to their success, however they must partner with me in that goal. I work as a team leader with my students; I am clear as to what is expected (again for their success);I also let them know that I was where they are (many years ago) and understand the stresses and strains and life crisis that can interfere with their life goals. Management of these stresses and strains is part of my philosophy of education for my students. We have to nuture not only their mind (and encourage growth and learning); we must nuture their spirit and teach them to honor and nuture their body. This does not mean we take on their stresses rather we provide management skills.
We as instructors are the models, the leaders, the point person for our students. The class is a team and I enforce from day one that each and every one of us have something in common; even if it is one attribute, to embrace in another.
We must keep to our word, uphold their confidences (grades, etc), validate their questions and concerns and keep the learning environment safe for them to express their knowledge, make mistakes and give them the tools and confidence to correct and move ahead.
First, by your appearance present yourself in a professional manor. Remain calm and collected even in trying situations. Always be open and friendly.
Hi Thomas,
Good list and one all instructors need to follow so they can have a positive impact on their students.
Gary
Hi Daniel,
I agree about the need for developing soft skills within our students. They are so used to seeing teachers that do not seem to care about their professional appearance or behavior. Our students need to see authority figures as role models so they know what the standard of behavior is for their field. You expressed it well in terms of all that goes into being a model for your career.
Gary
I really enjoy doing senarios with my student's that happen in our workforce. We discuss what they may do in that situation and then I explain to them how I handled it. Which usually comes down to your morals an principles. Which this leads to a great lesson on how to be that role model.
Be on time, always keep to schedules as best as can, be prepared, maintain deadlines, and be observant of the students, their surroundings, and their concerns.. as it applies to presenting a professional appearence, professional behaviors, and professional attitude for the workplace.
For the students on my campus, it is very important for the faculty to be united and pro-active with professionalism in order to demonstrate to the students the kinds of behaviors that will be expected of them once they enter the work force. Some of the most important aspects of modeling include being on time to class, being prepared for class, dressing appropriately, speaking articulately, and behaving as mature adults while in class. In the world in which we live today, it is easy to become way too casual in all of the aspects that I mentoined above. I used to be a high school teacher, and you would be shocked and appalled at some of the dress and language of the teachers. THAT certainly did not do the students any favors. While to me (and my generation?), acting as a professional seems to be second nature, but being too relaxed, casual, and cavalier with regard to our behaviors obviously needs to be widely addressed in today's world.
Leading by example and then explaining why these examples are relevant and how they will benefit them in oher areas of their life. I feel they must understand the why? first.
lead by example, and enjoy what your teaching.
Our students are in kitchens most of the time. We like to show them how we conduct ourselves during demo, they see how clean we work and how accurate we are with our skills and I believe it helps them strive for the same.
Hi Theresa,
Well put on all points. This is what a professional looks and acts like. You are setting the bar for them so they can see how they need to conduct themselves if they are going to be accepted as a professional.
Gary
One of the biggest way I can model behavior to help the students is to wear the proper clothing, and give them credit for doing so as well. I also arive to class early and don't dismiss early. I am prepared for each class. I believe that this professionalism shows the students by example how they should conduct themselves in the outside world.
Hi Juana,
This is so true. The students will remember a model whether it be a good one or a bad one. We must as instructors present a good model for our students so they will know what a model looks like when they are working in their careers.
Gary
I would add that it will help the students in their professional success as they will remember you as a model and use this to be more respectfull and professional
Hi Aimee,
I agree with you about the importance of learning from our setbacks. No one is entitled to anything even though many students today believe that. So we need to help them learn from their mistakes and show them how they can achieve their goals if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
