Be prepared, be positive, be concerned, be compassionate, be considerate...
As an instructor, I have always looked at my fellow instructors as role models. The behaviors I was seeking included their dress attire and teaching approach. I agree that an instructor should model behaviors that will enable the student to succeed in their chosen career. Mainly, an instructor should always conduct themselves in a professional manner that include dressing appropriately, not using offensive language, which include slang ,in and out of the classroom. Some of the ways that I model behaviors that will help students are my dress appearance, being on time for my classes and being knowlegeable about the subjects that I instruct.
Hi Raquel,
Without soft skills students are not going to be successful in their careers. I commend you for including these essential elements in your course offerings.
Gary
Dr. Meers,
I am a relatively new instructor, and only teach part-time while still maintaining part-time status at my real job. I have always enjoyed mentoring externs at my work, and it seems to have translated into my new role as a clincal instructor.
I do not "teach" in the traditional class setting, so I think it is of utmost importance that the ground rules are laid down the very first day.
I always do everything by the book, according to the facility where I will be doing clinical rotations at. I always dress in attire appropriate to the clinical setting, and I always tell my students that if they are not present and ready to work 15 minutes before shift start, then they are technically late.
When they observe things that are not "by the book", I take that as an example for a learning opportunity.
I have found that by maintaining high standards and providing rationale for things that are done has fostered respect for me as an instructor. This assures me that I am doing my job as mentor and facilitator well.
Regards,
M.Guzman
I'll speak from the point of view of working with my students in the massage therapy program. We model professional dress, which for us is clean, neat yet flexible enough to do the physical activities that we perform in the workplace.
Our language is professional, which for a massage therapist means calm, relaxed, reasuring. Syntax is modelled as well as the calm and warmth of tone.
Professional and ethical conduct is demonstrated at all times. In the massage field we are working with individuals in very vulnerable situations. We must have a very strict code of conduct to not make our clients feel uncomfortable in any way. This is maodeled when we demonstrate our lessons in the lab setting.
Classes and breaks are timely at start and finish.
An instructor leads the class with competence and confidence.
Explain the importance of punctuality and appearance when dealing with clients. Having the appropriate attidude when dealing with the unhappy customer shows your ability to deal with different situations professionally. Being knowledgable and able to perform skills adequately implies credibilty and profeciencies in your areea of study
Well I suggest to them to work on their soft skills. Which would include,attitude,dressing professionl and respect for others,basically I like to consider myself as not only their medical instructor but, their work maturity skills instructor.
Hi Francine,
Yes, they do like to know about what you have and are doing in the industry. It shows them how they can shape their careers and be successful. Part of the role model process that you are sharing with them.
Gary
Arriving and starting on time and being prepared for class are of utmost importance. Being familiar with the textbook and being able to direct students in how to use it will enhance student learning. Dressing appropriately and not discussing how tired you are or other personal problems are fundamental to mainataiong a healthy student teacher relationship.
These behaviors carry over into successful job skills which is the whole point of vocational school.
Hi Jim,
Thank you for sharing your great attitude and excitement about teaching. After 30 years being still excited about teaching is something of which you can be proud. I am sure you have many great experiences to share with new teachers coming into the field. I hope you get the chance to mentor some of these new ones so they can benefit from your knowledge.
Gary
I have found that giving the students some information about myself relating to my work in the field both past an present, helps them understand that I do know what's going on in the real world. They become very interested in what I and another instructor are doing with the small business we have together and think it is very cool that we are out there working in the industry and also working together.
This is so true. How can you tell your students not to be late for class if you or not on time or chew gum in class or lab if you are and. I truly believ we lead by exanple. the students are as good as thier instructors.
Mr. Meers,
Good morning!
The instructor is a very important part of the students education. We have an opportunity as educators to set the tone in the classroom and to give encouragement to students on and off the campus as they work towards a job in their field.
Let me say that I teach all studio classes.
I have been teaching at the college level for thirty years.
The students that I work with are coming to we from many different back grounds and with a wide range of abilities.
I always dress in a professional manner and encourage my students to do the same when they present their final projects.
I design their projects to expand their understanding of how to do the assignment as well as the way that they see things that the project is addressing.
I bring in examples to illustrate what the goals are for the project and work one on one with them to help improve their skills level.
As you may be able to tell I love teaching!
I don't have any questions at this time.
Thank you.
Regards,
Jim Poole
Hi Dr. Viar,
Right you are. This type of professional behavior sets the tone for the class and gives the students a clear idea of how they should conduct themselves once they are out in the work place.
Gary
I definitely agree that instructors act as role models to a point. In particular, if the instructor demonstrates a lack of interest if the class is begun on time or an unprofessional appearance, subsequently, the students will follow that same path. What are your thoughts on this? I look forward to your feedback.
Hello Gary,
Professionalism in all your actions and behavior is of course essential for an instructor but I also feel that showing enthusiasm for your field of study goes a long way in encouraging students to want to be like you.
Hi Dr. Viar,
Right you are. This is what being a professional educator and role model for the profession is all about. Life long learning is a must if we are going to stay current in our field and share the latest information with our students.
Gary
By default, instructors are viewed as role models as well as managers for the adult learners. Within this role as a manager, the basics of good management need to be applied; such as being flexible, approachable, and of course, knowledgeable. Admitting that I do not know the answer to a question, in my opinion, demonstrates responsiblity of one's actions and the willingness to learn myself. Therefore, I am further demonstrating the continious learning process myself.
Kind Regards,
Dr. Viar
When giving lecture (especially online) and you are using a power point presentation to the students to deliver the course material, make sure that the powerpoint looks like work that you would expect students to hand in as assignments. Such as the organization, APA, spelling and grammar etc.
Hi Susan,
Great way to make it real for your students. You are sharing with them the realities of how their careers are going to involve them at different times and in different ways. They have to be prepared to accept these conditions if they are going to be successful in their careers.
Gary
