Hi Eric,
This is a good point. We don't know everything about our field so admitting such is not problem. We need to do just as you suggest let the students know we will research the question and provide them with an accurate answer as soon as possible.
Gary
I also like this element about professionals. Professionals are passionate about their field of study. Experts want to learn more about topics of interest. And experts usually enjoy talking about these same topics to other people.
I like this addition to the definition of instructional professionalism. Professionals do not know everything about their field of study. And there is nothing wrong with admitting a lack of knowledge in a small area of study. A professional will instead do further research into the problematic area and give an appropriate, accurate answer later.
Hi Regina,
Great approach in setting the stage of professionalism for your students. This is a critical part of their development as new professionals and you are showing them how they will need to conduct themselves when they are in their own careers.
Gary
I believe instructional professionalism is what I put into my class. I am always in my classroom and ready to start the lesson on time. My class time is spent on the subject of the lesson and do not sway or get swayed from that. I dress appropriately and my students do so as well. Because of this, I have a very well rounded, enthusiastic, prepared professionally group of students, who are ready to go out into the real world and make me proud.
Hi Martha,
This is something that I struggle with. When I first started teaching, I had very high standards of education and expected a lot from my students. I think it was almost too much. It was a daily battle. Now I have been able to figure out what things I can compromise on to meet my students in the middle more. I still have high standards and expect a lot from my students, but I always try make sure my standards are within reason. This is very difficult to do because I never know how much is too much to compromise. I'm still trying to figure out the best way to keep high, but realistic standards that my students see as attainable.
Instructional professionalism has several components, two of which are personal professionalism and professionalism in your area of expertise. Personal professionalism is dependent upon how an instructor carries him/herself in the classroom and with students outside of class. An instructor should present an appearance of professionalism at all times, which means that an instructor should always look professional and conduct themselves with a business like manner, while still maintaining their personality and individual traits that make them likeable to students. Professionalism in your area of expertise means that you are always on top of updates and news in your chosen profession, that you strive to improve yourself, both as a teacher and as a person with specialized knowledge in your field. Both of these areas of professionalism contribute to professionalism in the classroom, making you an effective instructor.
As instructors, we need to not only teach subject matter but we must also incorporate professionalism as part of our instruction. We can do this by asking critical thinking questions regarding ethical dilemmas and also by being a role model demonstrating professionalism.
This would be my attitude appearance and enthusiasm conveying the topic to be covered.
I would define instructional professionalism as always arriving to class prepared. By prepared, I mean, dressed appropriately, have all student materials as well as any training materials ready to go before class starts. For example, if the lecture includes a power point presentation, have the projector connected, and your presentation up and ready. This will show your students what is expected behavior by them not only in the classroom, but lab situation, or on-site training. Demonstrating professionalism from the beginning will help to instill good habits in your students. Students not only learn the content of what is being trained, but behavior by example.
Confidence in knowledge of material, an apperance that compliments my feild, experience with technical application and an understanding of the diverse learning types.
There are many aspects to Instructional Professionalism. Not only does one have to have a vast content knowledge, she also has to have an effective way to convey this information to her students. This involves so many things, keeping the interest of the students, making sure content is relevant, having rapport with students, etc. You have to know how to show students that you are an expert without coming off as arrogant and rigid. Being flexible and thoughtful are big parts of this.
I define Instructional Professionalism as the act of being professional within the three competencies that module one of ED101 suggests:Technical, Professional, and Personal. These three competencies work as a triad to bolster the instructor's credibility and ability. If for instance, you lag behind in professional dress (whether for comfort or otherwise) students will mimic the behavior and your technical ability, however perfect, won't be able to cover for your personal professional shortcomings.
Hi Rachel,
Well stated. An instructor has to have the entire package if they are going to be effective. You are presenting yourself as a model to the students as someone that has been successful in the field and is going to help them be successful as well.
Gary
My appearance, tone of voice, posture, and facial expressions can set a mood of professionalism. After that, my knowledge and preparation must take precedence.
Hi Dana,
I like your definition of professionalism. Rapport and respect are two works that help to describe the relationships that teachers need to create with their students. The students see you as a professional that is sharing expertise and experience with them in order to help them achieve their career goals.
Gary
self respect, being shown in one's self, in apprearance, performance, productivity and presentation.
I define Instructional professionalism the same way in which I would define Mentoring as an Instructor. Conducting the classroom and interacting with the students in a professional manner hopefully sets the stnadard for the classroom experience and expectations.
I highly believe students extract more from us as instructors than just what we are speaking to them...they are aware and exposed to the whole experience - when we are teaching, we are in a sense on stage and need to position ourselves to help them grow in to a professional.
Michael,
Correct, a clear understanding of the material to be taught is important and preparedness is key. Preparation and clearly defined personal goals are an asset as well.
Instructional professionalism is the demonstration of behaviors, presentation, dress and language an instructor would model in the classroom. How an instructor handles questions and feedback conveys a professional attitude that you would want emmulated in the students. Nursing instructors would want to model the proper attite and hygeine expected of a nurse such as clean short nails, hair tied back, jewelry in good taste, lab coat or uniforms and appropriate language. The instructor models the expected behavior and attitudes.
