Dr. Meers, Thanks for the welcome; I did post directly from the module and responded to a post also. I look forward to sharing our passion about student centered 'learning' with the participants and learning 'great stuff' in the process! Donna
I dress and act in a professional manner in order to help teach my students the proper way to act in the career field. I also treat them as adults. I tell them that school is like a job. They need to show up on time and put in a good effort. They shuold be working 8 hours a day which for them would include time spent in class and time they shuold be spending on homework. This helps develop their work ethic.
Hi Lyndi,
This is what being a professional educator is about. You are modeling expectations which is an important part of each student's preparation. They need to know and see what a professional in the field dresses, acts and performs like. This sets the stage for their success.
Gary
I find that it's very important to be early for class. I find myself walking into my classroom 5 minutes early and being prepared for class. I also dress appropriate and use myself as examples for professional dress. Some of my students ask me if they were to dress professional what does that mean. I told them from the very first day of school that whatever I wear would be an example of professional dress.
I think that sharing personal experiences that relate to my lecture is important. Students thrive on hearing what happens "in the real world". While it is important to educate them, it is also important to provide examples of how the information relates and is used in the work force. In terms of modeling, I am prepared for class, arrive on time, and end class on time.
Always be on time and ready for the course is something very important to model. This is important in every aspect of the "real" world.
The way an individual dresses and behaves in the classroom is a sure way for students to observe professionalism and want to model their behaviors after their instructors. Simply the way students are spoken to, just being polite and having "soft skills" helps a lot.
We can model professionalism to our students by holding ourslef accountable. Students need to see that we will do the things we say. We have requirements for them as students but we should be transparent and also let them know what they can expect from us, and we need to make sure we adhere to what we are saying. This lets them know they can depend on us to be as accountable as we expect them to be.
Hi Suzanne,
You are right on with your comments about the need to conduct yourself as a professional. It really bothers me when I hear an instructor trying to talk like the students without regard for his/her status as an educator.
We need to show our students the language of our field so they can represent themselves well when they are out in the work world.
Gary
In any career how you present yourself is key and I feel that a self respecting way to do this is the manner in which you speak. Not above the students, but always with correct grammar and very little slang
Hi Mary,
Good strategies for reflecting professionalism both as an educator and a member of your career field. These factors help to reinforce to students the fact that you have been successful in your field and that you are going to show them how they can be successful as well.
Gary
Hi Kathryn,
These are the "soft skills" of career development that need to be shared with students. Many times they don't think about being on time and dressing appropriately as being a part of their career growth, and yet as we know it is. The more we can do in this area the more successful our students are going to be.
Gary
There are many important attributes related to modeling behaviors of an instructor. This instructor would always look at behaviors that are displayed to make sure that they are positive. One of the most important is to start class or lectures on time. I do a live lecture for one of my courses and I always try to open the forum early for small talk and questions. This demonstrates a caring approach and by starting on time, students understand that their time is valued. Using appropriate language and avoiding slang is another important behavior. Correct grammar supports professional presentation. Being fair, consistent and timely with grading and feedback is essential and models expected behaviors.
Some behaviors you can show to your students is by being on time to class; dressing appropriately for the class; using right language and not use slang words. All these things model the attitude of being Profesional.
Hi Vicki,
Good point and one that needs to be reinforced to students throughout their course of study. To be perceived as professionals they have to dress and act like professionals. Once they make that connection they are really moving forward in their career development.
Gary
Hi Alicia,
Good strategy for not only informing the students in relation to content you are also showing them how they can demonstrate their human relations skills by reflecting professional behavior. This helps them to make the connection between the classroom and the work world.
Gary
I teach massage therapy so doing everything I can to be a good role model is extremely important. Showing them how a professional should dress and act is number one since they will have to deal with the medical field and the public.
I thhink they need to see you are not afraid to get your hands dirty. Get right in there and work with them.PegRapai
I have not forgotten my first day and those difficult days when you are taking your finals.
I make sure they understand I have been through it and it has helped me become successful.PegRapai
I teach at an art and design school and make a big effort to help the students identify themselves as artists and designers already, even if they are in training. I act as a role model first by doing work alongside them and then encouraging them with bonus points to see the same cultural events I do on a normal basis.
