Hi Rachel,
Being a professional really sets up the students for seeing how a model from the career area should conduct themselves.
Gary
In the arena of vocational education, keeping abreast of the latest industry advancements, when you are not currently actively working in that environment, can be sometimes difficult.
But I believe that by reading trade magazines (print or web-based), going to trade shows and taking technical courses, an instructor can stay current on the latest technologies. The students love to hear about what awaits them in the field and relating that information helps to establish the instructor as a subject expert.
Not only by knowing what your are teaching but preparing before and delivering the instruction properly and in a manner in which is easy for the students to understand it.
Acting as a mature well rounded adult. Being prepared for class, dressing appropriately, giving correct information.
Proessionalism is everything you do ina classroom, so a teacher had better think and act carefully before he/she does something to reduce professionalism and effectivveness. Starting on time, dressing and speaking in a professional manner, having control of one's technology and knowing how to use it, having a good grasp on the subject matter and he ability to be flexible within that knowledge, getting out of the textbook to bring in additional resources are all part of professionalism. Attitude is of the utmost importnance: Treat all students as the professionals they strive to be, and model professional behavior that causes students to treat the teacher as professional. School is your job, and this is the attitude you convey to students.
Hi Lewis,
You make a number of good points concerning how you should approach the classroom. Setting the environment up to be supportive for all students is something that takes planning and organization.
Gary
Dr. Meers,
There are many areas of instructional professionalism to consider. The obvious are being prepared for the course, wearing clothing that relates to the field and is appropriate, as well as proper hygiene and demeanor.
One area that I see that could be easily overlooked, or ignored, would be keeping the class room or lab on target to reach the goal of the course without interruption from students with behavioral challenges, as well as rude behavior. Something as simple as laughter can be disturbing for students trying to focus on the task and should be considered when creating an overall atmosphere conducive to learning.
Lewis Leonard
I will also be a business instructor. I believe classroom professionalism should replicate "real world" professionalism as closely as possible. I agree with your statement that you are setting an example for your students that will become a part of the business workforce.
Sum it up in two words Be Prepared. Know the subject matter, present the material in a way the student's can easily understand and be applied.
I agree that we as instructors set an example. How we behave is how our students behave. After all we are teaching our profession to them. I think it is very important that we clarify to students when others in our profession are not setting that example. That way they can see how it reflects on how they are seen by others in their field.
Setting a professional example by, being prepared, starting on time, having supplies and materials ready. Then maintaining your status by continuing education classes on instruction, and expanding knowledge base within your field of instruction.
I think that it is important for instructors to talk professionally especially in the medical field. I see that too many time that slang terms are used and then the students don't feel that it is necessary to learn the proper medical terminology. I also feel that it is important that an instructor show up on time and prepared as well as dress appropriatly.
Hi Danielle,
Good point. It takes real skill to manage all the components of a classroom. The balance between content, student management and forward focused learning is a must so it takes a lot of planning to make it happen.
Gary
I agree that yoy set a good role model by displaying yourself professionally by dress,and being on time. Alos students copy the interaction you have with patients, other nursing staff, and various disciplines in the hospital on any gives clinical day.
Mariann U
I agree that you need the support of the dean when handling difficult students. I also first discuss the matter with the director of nursing and the assistant director of nursing to make sure I am being fair. I them handle the situation according to the schools policy and handbook. I usually get support from the dirctors above me.
Mariann U
I believe that instructional professionalism should mimic a good leader and manager in the career field. After all, the instructor is teaching a profession, not just knowledge of a profession. The better prepared the students are to entire the business world, the greater their chance of success. With that said, instructors must:
1. Know their subject matter. This implies continued learning by the instructor and keeping up with changes in technology and research.
2. Set expectations, then model those same expectations. No employee respects a manager that does not practice what they expect of their employees. Instructors must mimic the same. "Trust once violated is rarely restored."
3. Reward both excellence and progress.
4. When performance is substandard, find out why. Work with the student (employee) to resolve the blockade to improved performance. However, the student (employee) must take personal accountability for whatever action plan is established.
5. Make sure all instruction is relevant and understandable. Change teaching styles and techniques if needed to convey the message. The teacher must be willing to come out of their own comfort zone to make sure the message is understandable to the student.
6. Be personally accountable as an instructor to both your superiors and to the students. Communication (most of which is non-verbal, even in a classroom setting) is 360 degrees, not just one way.
7. Keep the excitement for the subject. No student wants to hear from an instructor who is bored with the subject matter any more than an employee wants to work for an employer who is burned out on their job.
8. Look, act and speak in a manner that would be acceptable for the finest business of the profession. We want our students to succeed. We must model the best for our students to envision the best.
Displaying yourself as the role model in appearance, conduct, attitude and knowledge for the students you encounter.
I define instructional professionalism as the ability to model, manage, and motivate the student. I also believe that in order to maintain this professionalism, the dean has to back you up. You need to have the authority to manage the difficult student, without being blamed for that student's behavior.
I define instructional professionalism as maintaining appropriate behaviors in all aspects of being an instructor. This includes:
- appropriate dress, appearance, behavior and language when involved in any school related activity.
- maintaining a knowledge of the subject matter and keeping examples relevant and meaningful
- following the same policies and procedures you expect from your students.
- treating all individuals in the organization with respect.
On the first day of class I give the students a list of the requirements that are expected of them in the nursing field and a Case Manager of the hospital also talks to the students.
Mariann U
