Instructional Professionalism can be defined as assessing for learning at each step of instruction. For example, While working on the bones of the body.When the bones of skull are given in the instruction, there is review followed by a practice quiz.
An integral part of the definition on instructional professionalism is course structure. Structure can provide the student with a sense of organization and consequently a feeling the class environment is well managed. Structure also provides the foundation for students to feel secure and therefore the freedom to ask questions without fear of repercussion.
There is little doubt instructor competence and providing an exciting learning environment as well as meeting students motivation needs are also important elements of the definition of instructional professionalism. Perhaps at the center of it all however, is structure, and the security and confidence it provides.
Hi Susan,
Thank you for the good comments in your forum response. You have captured the needed blending of both the knowledge/skills and the soft skills in order to help your students to see what it takes to be successful in their careers. The key components of being trust worthy and dependable must be present if they are going to have careers them continue to grow throughout their time in the work place.
Gary
Instructional professionalism is a combination of the technical expertise I have deveoped in my industry, the "soft skills" that include treating others with respect, maintaining a supportive environment for the students, and demonstrating the professionalism elements I hope students carry with them into the workforce. I strongly agree with the three "M"s thought in this module and I intend to share this with my faculty immediately. As an instructor, it is imperative to remember that the students are not coming to class solely to increase their technical knowledge and skill set. An equally important skill set, which includes punctuality, courtesy, respect, integrity, and a commitment to excellence, can be presented as well through my own actions.
Hi Nancy,
Well said. Memories are an important part of learning so we need to have these positive memories available to us to call upon.
Gary
Thanks.
I always remember the music they play at church, even if i have not sung in the choir that day. The music beautifully haunts me for weeks or even years afterward.
I think that the students remember the "music" that is played at every class as well. Whether it is a good tune that lasts a lifetime, or a note of disharmony, rests with the instructors.
If you'll forgive the metaphor, I think that it is entirely true.
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Nancy Lorenz-Vega
Concorde
Hi Nancy,
You hit upon a number of different valuable points for instructors and students. We need to be aware that we are always a model to our students even at the most casual moments. By being professional and presenting ourselves as dedication educators we are going to impact the lives of our students long after they have left us.
Gary
Professionalism is a complete package. It encompasses your subject matter knowledge, your instructional style, personality, dress, manner and ability to be emulated as a good role model.
Another aspect of professionalism deals with the sub-sets of professionalism: delivery and implementation of course. If you have creative, innovative activites that demonstrate not only competence in your field, but engage the students, you will see student participation and interest in the subject rise because of your professional hard skills, such as teaching style, time management, and content management.
Emily Post once remarked that "even the poorest girl on the block can be a thoroughbred." It is not all in the clothes, but is truly in the manner. Professionalism is the poise you demonstrate to your students. Do you have good posture? What about diction and speech? Can you be a terrific role model, not only in the subject matter area, but, as a model of dress, manner and speech as well? This translates to the job market, and the instructor is the first link in the line of career. Do you look "interview" perfect in front of your class?
The connotation of the word, "professional" is ponderous. It signifies a consumate instructor, who is cognizant of the fact that he/she has the ability to "Go make a difference in the world" of academia and students. If you offer these things to your students, then you will be professional in all aspects of your course.
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Nancy Lorenz-Vega
Concorde Career College
Instructor
Although we recognize the importance of the instructional leadership responsibilities of the principal, in reality, good instructional leadership skills are seldom practiced. There is a need for information about the skills and tasks required to support practices of instructional leadership in schools so that we can provide the best possible instruction to the children in our care
Hi Heidi,
I think you are right. You have so much going for you as a result of your life and professional experiences. Bringing them to the classroom helps to make what you are sharing with them real. By breaking these experiences down into segments and then putting them with lesson content you will be showing your students application and relevancy to your field. You will quickly get into the flow of instruction and you will really enjoy sharing your knowledge with your students. Welcome to teaching and I wish you much success.
Gary
This is an interesting question, as I have never stepped foot in a classroom as a teacher, but have over 10 years experience in my profession.I believe for me, the challenge will be to personify my professionalism I'm used to conveying to clients, and now being a positive role model for students through my own actions, and my technical expertise. The hard part will be the instructional aspect...I think the professionalism will come naturally.
I believe that instructional professionalism in an online setting consists of portraying your professionalism as an instructor in everything you show and say. Moreover, the tone that is used to convey information, the material that is used, and the commitment to leading by example is also key. For example, by arriving to a chat on time and by answering discussion board posts with answers that stimulate dialogue and demonstrate careful thought and consideration, instructors can inspire their students to display a similar degree of professionalism that will serve them well in all they do. Therefore, instructional professionalism is defined by the instructor and should ideally inspire students to do the same.
Hi Rondae,
Good point about the need for instructors to have back up plans for everything. It seems like every class session involves the need for the use of Plan B because no matter how hard you work on Plan A it becomes Plan B or the back up plan. This can be due to equipment failure, student responses or a combination of the above. Through planning an instructor can be ready for most everything and not be taken out of his/her game when something comes up.
Gary
It is the way you will present yourself to the student. This will include your appearance, knowledge base and environment.
I would define instructional professionalism as the way in which an instructor should behave in the classroom. Instructors should arrive a few minutes early to set-up for class and to test the equipment. On one occassion I lost valuable class time because I didn't check the dvd player before class began. An Instructor should always have a planned lesson and a back-up activity. On another occassion, my class attendence was down and I couldn't do the group work planned so I used a back-up activity. In general, instructional professionalism addresses an instructor's serious philosophy regarding education, and overall attitude.
The ability to deliver technical information in easy to understand and learn methods. This becomes something transferable out of the classroom.
Being clear and concise while seeting an example of how expectations will be in the professional world.
To be confident in delivering teaching materials in both technical and personal skills.
I would define instrucional professionalism as,
presenting yourself in such a manner that students will aspire to follow your example as it relates to appearance and actions in the work place.
Hi DeAnn,
This is "reading" the setting is all about. You are reading yourself, the environment and your students. Once you have done that you can create a plan that will make your instruction effective and efficient for your students. This will result in engaged and focused students. Keep up the good work.
Gary
