Coming from the field into an instructor position I feel that quality of work is one of the most important aspects of professionalism. You can be on time and dress appropriately but, you are not going to be the asset to the company's needs if you put out sub-par work. Don't get me wrong I believe all aspects are important, but in the field I saw problems with this one in particular.
Hi Larry,
From the beginning of the very first class you are setting a standard for the students. This is very important for their career growth. Your list of methods of professionalism are impressive and comprehensive so the students can see how their efforts will be rewarded in their careers as evidenced by your success.
Gary
Some methods I currently use in my class room:
1) I enter my class room ready to work and in uniform (culinary school instruction)
2) I begin (and try to end)my class at the posted time
3) I explain my work experience to students as an example of what can be achieved
4) I encourage my students to work in the industry while in school to make thier class experiences relevant
5) I explain about continued learning I am doing to better demonstrate that learning is a continuing experience
Hi Londa,
It is amazing to me how often these critical elements are not covered or "lost" in training programs. In teaching a Career class you have a wonderful opportunity to share this information and then reinforce it with the students as they move into their specific career training classes.
Gary
In addressing the subject of career search preparedness, all of the components in the Model Module are so applicable:
Dress-they need to understand the importance of dressing appropriately for an interview.
Language-not only keeping inappropriate language out of the conversation, but knowing how to speak confidently and not using 'passive' language
Conduct-a job candidate must have professional conduct from the time they enter the building and meet the receptionist to the first day they walk into the job (and every day there-after at the job)
Time-is always of the utmost importance to teach the student (and Model) as they need to understand the importance of showing up for EVERYthing on time!
Confidence-the only way one gets the job in this market is to show confidence; so it must be taught AND modeled in the classroom
All of these points are applicable in every classroom, but I found them even more poignant for a Career classroom.
This is a huge element of my teaching style. Knowing how to use industry terms gives you more confidence when starting a new job.
being fair,open to discussion.showing up on time or before class,being honest and motivate them
Hi John,
I applaud your efforts in this area. You are preparing them to work in the industry and anything you can do to help bridge the gap between school and the real world should be done. This should make the transition for them to that real world setting much easier.
Gary
You can model behaviors to help your students succeed in their career field by dressing appropriately according to the field you are in. Ex: Uniform.
I always try to lead by example including showing up on early for class, dressed, prepared fo the given class day. I know that in my class Restaurant Operations, it is essential to model myself as a an employer. I direct, manage, motivat and discipline based upon thhis standard employer-employee model.
Present in clean pressed uniform, clean shaven, can do attitude, well groomed. Always be willing to assist. Engage students about their goals, and reflect on past professional achievements.
In our lab/practical setting, I like to set expectations high, and join in with them in achieving those expectations. I believe it is critically important to not relax those expectations, but rather to help the student who tries, to continue to grow to meet them.
Hi Connal,
This is a good way to introduce the students to their new career development part since they will be learning and using a new language based upon the career content.
Gary
Hi Lloyd,
Well said. Both of these areas are critical if an instructor is going to be a good model.
Gary
Be on time and prepared to do your job.
Dress professionally.
Show your class that you are a real person. Don't try to be something that you are not. If you try to "pull the wool over their eyes", they WILL figure it out and your credibility will suffer.
Use the language of your particular vocation. Every industry has it's own lingo and teaching students the correct names for equipment and practices early helps them to start speaking in the language of their chosen field.
Two ways that stand out for me is conduct and language. These two actions says alot for a person; the conduct will inbody the person honesty and integrity, and language will show a person knowledge and diversity of word choice. Proper usage of these behavoirs will show professionality.
With real personal examples tell how the class subject helped me move along professionally in the field we are progressing towards.
Hi Carroll,
Everything that an instructor does puts him/her in a role model situation. We need to make sure that we remember this when we are in our school setting.
Gary
Hi Timothy,
Good comments about how to grow as an professional educator. All of these strategies will contribute to your delivery and instructional support.
Gary
