Hi Meredith,
Good point. All of have stories we could tell about instructors that have errors such as those you mention and as a result they became frustrated and didn't enjoy their teaching.
Gary
As a career specific instructor, I show my students how to act professionally in their chosen field on a daily basis
One of the behaviors that I consistently model to my students is "obeying the rules".
Staying in class until it's time to leave, giving them a set break time, following the dress/behavior/language code of the school, etc.
I get a lot of argument (especially on the not leaving early) but I use that as an oppurtunity to explain to them that when they are employed in this field, they cannot leave early because they choose, they cannot dress however they choose, and they cannot use whatever language they choose. I believe this has helped some of them to understand the reason for the rules that the school enforces.
Students want to know that their instructor knows the subject. They also want to know he is not stuck on himself and can teach while making it fun. They want to know he will tell them when and why they are right and wrong. They want him to be prompt in grading and answering emails or questions. They want him to be fair in grading but not a stickler.
All these attributes will make a good instructor a role model for the student. And they will perfortm and learn better.
Setting the example should be your goal as an instructor. Students will look at you as the subject matter expert and base their future behaviors from your classroom model (ie. appearance, knowledge, experience). Even if you are not real comfortable with what you are teaching, you need to realize everyone in your classroom is looking at their potiential rolemodel for implementing what you are teaching them.
By setting good examples in the classroom such as, arriving early and being prepared prior to the start of class,dressing and acting in a professional manner at all times.
This is really true. I find that the teachers that I work with that teach these things but do not model them have limited credibility. I also find that the teachers who try to be friends with the student shoot themselves in the foot. When it comes time to lay down the lay everyone thinks they're joking and don't take them seriously.
Hi Dianna,
You are right on target with your approach to the class. I teach a required general course as well and my students come into the class with the attitude that they have to take the course to get their state certificates. I work hard to make the course interesting and valuable to them in a way that they can see relevancy and application to what they are learning. I can see you are doing the same. How do you feel about results that you getting with your approach? Do you have any tips for other instructors that are teaching courses like this?
Thanks.
Gary
I am a new adjunct lecturing on Interpersonal Relations at a Business College. I've found that listening and monitoring the energy level of the learners and adjusting my lesson plan to their attention level has been most important. Their starting point seemed to be that they would neither like the topic nor the instructor. I try to model attentiveness, encouragement and also name their successes, knowledge and application of the content in our discussions.
For starters I believe in leading by example. I like that the students are there to class in plenty of time. I make sure that I am there early enough to spend time talking with them before class starts. I stress to them throughout the course of the class what I like to see from them and act in the same manner. I like to think of myself as a mentor. We are there to educate our students but they are in my particular classes because they have a particular life goal. I use that time to not only make sure I educate them on the text material but also life material. I stress to them what employers like to see in employees and tell them that I expect no less on the assignments that they turn in. I make sure that they know that I am there for them to answer any questions not only about the class material but about any questions that will help them advance into their career choice. The one thing that I like about education is the ability we have to make a difference in our students lives and to help them further their life goals.
Professionalism - and guidance. Showing them proper ways to do things - enthusiasm in your career - and professionalism.
Hi Bernadette,
My students like case studies as well. They really get into solving or resolving the situation contained within the study and then sharing it with others. Generates a lot of good discussion as well.
Do you have any advice you would give new instructors that are thinking about using case studies?
Gary
I like to share real case studies with my students and role model how I behave and conducted myself in a given situation
Let's face it, no matter what occupation that you are in, you, are a role model to newer employees.
As an instructor, you have the opportunity to grab the attention of your students and excite them with the joy of learning and accomplishment, or you can completely turn them off. I realize that you cannot reach everyone, but you will impact their lives, either in a positive way, or a negative way. As childen pattern their parents activities, so do students pattern their love or hate of learning based on how they are taught.
Hi Holly,
Great comments! This is a an important lesson for students to learn. By modeling the dress and behavior of the field you are showing them what the standard of the field is. You are helping your students to "brand" themselves as up and coming professionals through their dress, communication skills and technical competence.
Gary
Specifically, your appearance is a crucial way for you to model behavior in order for your students to achieve success in their career field. If you are clean-cut, well groomed and dressed professionally, you will reflect the mold of a successful individual, and in turn, your students will model this behavior to achieve the same.
Professional dress is extremely important in the field I teach/work in. Business administration, accounting, marketing, etc. are all careers that adhere to a strict dress code. My students often ask why are you so dressed up? The simple explaination is that this is what the business industry expects of you when you are working in it and that is how I dressed everyday when in the field. I try to set a good example and realistic expectations for the students. After a few weeks the slowly but surely begin to steer away from the jeans and more to dress slacks and polos. While its not perfect, its an improvement. I always say...the customer should never outdress you and to be taken seriously their presentation of themselves should be top notch.
I agree. I strive to show students they need to try their best in their work and in the workplace. Even if a supervisor says "it's good enough" you have to take personal responsibility that your name is on it and be happy with the outcome.
You body language, facial expressions, and enthusiam is fundamental to motivation. It is this presence that students perceive and relate fundamentally to the satisfaction they're are seeking in their professional lives.
I agree with many of the posts. I think it is very important for instructors to remember they are role models when they enter the classrooms. In today's society, for many students, instructors are the only role models they have. It is important to encourage our students and teach by example to help our students achieve success.
