Hi Melanie,
Good approach. I am a big user of role playing and case studies. Both of these methods put the students into situations that enable them to practice what they have been learning as well as problem solve solutions to different situations. As you say good training for their upcoming entrance to the world of work.
Gary
Realistic expectations of what the career field holds, ie. bedside caregivers work all 3 shifts, 365 days per year. Holiday celebrations may have to postponed or changed. At this time of year, I try to tell them that the rewards of the work are worth these small sacrifices, as well as the 'perks' of having others cook, entertain, and do the work at home for me.
Acceptance of change - students don't like surprises. I try to encourage them to grasp change with open minds and hearts. Being afraid adds nothing to one's life. Being open to new research, techniques, experiences and practices really brings joy to one's work!
I do a lot of roll playing in a number of my classes. My students are all going to be interacting with people throughout their career so I try and get them involved right away with reinactments of cases that they may be involved in, with things like phone calls answering question that the customer might have and, one on one with clients etc.
Hi Dawn,
You are right about the need to develop soft skill expertise. If they don't have soft skills they are not going to be successful in their careers. They are going to have to interact with co-workers, customers, etc. They need to know how to interact with all of these individuals and to conduct themselves as professionals.
Gary
I am a new teacher but plan to teach in this way. The technical course materials are important, however, the soft skills are just as important to being successful as employee. Students need to know that as well.
One can cite examples of people who were (are) successful in spite of handicaps. Do the best with the "cards" dealt to you.
For one, you can dress appropriately and professionally to show the importance of personal dress. Also, you should always arrive for class on time and well-prepared so students know it is their responsibility to be prompt and prepared for their jobs.
Hi Tanisha,
Good description of the role an instructor plays as a role model. The point you make about moving through a mistake and the lessons that can be learned from it is a good one. This shows the students that they can over come their own mistakes and move forward with their education. They don't have to collapse if they make a mistake but can learn from it and go on.
Gary
A role model is a person whose behavior is imitated by others. A strong role model is one who possess the kinds of qualities that make our students want to be and become better people. A positive role model must be aware that the choices they make impact their student’s lives. When you have a tough choice to make, allow the student to see how you work through the problem, weigh the pros and cons, and come to a decision. The process of making a good decision is a skill. A good role model will not only show a student which decision is best, but also how they to came to that conclusion. That way, the student will be able to follow that reasoning when they are in a similar situation. Nobody’s perfect. When you make a bad choice, let those who are watching and learning from you know that you made a mistake and how you plan to correct it. By apologizing, admitting your mistake, and repairing the damage, you will be demonstrating an important yet often overlooked part of being a role model.
Hi Nitin,
Good advice! These 3 P's are what we all need to practice in order to be successful in our professional relationships.
Gary
Here are some effective behaviors I can model for my students:
-wear professional attire
-use good grammar and diction
-convene class on time and hold it for the scheduled time
-return work in a timely manner with sound formative feedback
-be prepared and knowledgeable about course content
I think its important to teach students that there is always room for improvement. My behavior as an instructor is to be professional and knowledgable in my career field. If you seem like you are aware of your subject matter I think that parlays to students acting in the same manner in their life. I also try to be a motivator and keep the course positive I want students to be able to take some valuable information from the course and use it in their everyday life. I want students to enjoy the class and make sure they are aware of where they stand in the course and how they can improve. I manage my course in a way that it is easy for students to know their expectations.
- Nick Bergan
In addition to your knowledge, three P's are very important in the IT industry - Politeness, Professionalism and Patience. I try to portray this in all my lectures and all my communication with the students. I also require that the students be polite and professional with me. With these three P's you can succeed in the IT industry.
Hi Dinah,
Thank you for sharing all of these excellent strategies for presenting yourself as a professional and a model. By doing such you are setting the stage for showing the how they can be successful professionals as well.
Gary
One way is to always be prompt with returning graded assigments, responding to questions, and posting additional materials. Promptness signals the importance of the action. Another is modeling professional communication (tone, language mechanics, choice of words, etc.) This provides an example to students of appropriate professional behavior in the area of communicaton. And finally, keeping all actions (communication as well as others) on a professional level at all times.
I think it is important as instructors to model behaviors that future employers will look toward in a new employee, such as being on time, being well dressed, speaking clearly and with authority. As instructors we can help our students understand how important these behaviors are to the workplace by setting the standard for excellence. As instructors we need to start our classes on time, we need to dress accordingly regardless of the situation, and we need to speak with authority and clearly so that our students will want to listen to us.
Unwavering respect for the rules,no mercy,ever. Showing this by example has proven VERY effective.Giving it a real world example also helps,you show up late,you get fired.
Hi Bryan,
You are right about students picking up on different aspects of how an instructor reflects being a model. As you point out instructors need to be aware of this and help students to see how what is being modeled is reflective of the field in which they will soon be entering.
Gary
Instructors have several ways that they can present themselves as Role Models to their students including the more obvious and visual aspedts such as dress and deportment, to less obvious aspects such as being well organized and prepared for the course they are teaching. With each student picking up on different cues presented, an instructor needs to be cognizant of all aspects that are presented to their students.
I like to ensure that I am prompt in my responses to student questions. That way they know they have a resource they can call upon in the online class environment. It also motivates them to stay involved in the course. In my professional life, prompt decisions and on-time delivery of services is critical. Sometimes, I have the opportunity to stress that in my lectures.
