A set of guidelines I live by. How I act, how I conduct myself always,in the classroom and outside of it.
Instructinal professionalism is presenting yourself as a professional in and out of the class. As instructors we should be role models for the students. We should inspire the students about their career field, the subject matter in class, and their individual growth as professionals.
Hi Sara,
Good list. Thank you for sharing it with us. This list can be valuable for all of us.
Gary
Instructional professionalism includes the following:
-Demonstrating your expertise in the given subject area.
-Projecting an aura of competence and "professionalism" to your students by treating them with respect, using appropriate language during your interactions with students, and making sure you are staying on task and on the course topics (in other words, model good behavior).
-Providing students with a clear set of policies and expectations and sticking to them.
-Ensuring that the class environment is welcoming and inclusive.
-Providing opportunities for learners of all learning styles to engage with the course materials.
This is not an exhaustive list I'm sure.
Sara
Instructional professionalism is the total package. An instructor should be well groomed, well versed in the subject matter, well prepared, timely, well mannered, able to deliver informattion in a way that teaches to all learning styles, is able to feild questions or provide research options. The instructor should be someone the students can identify with and look to for guidance and encouragement. Model, manage, and motivate.
To start and end classes on time. Everyone's time is valuable. Dress appropriately for the profession that you are teaching. Always display a postive attitude and avoid all unethical practices.
Hi Terry,
Well defined. This creates a very clear picture of what a professional educator should look like as they approach the classroom.
Gary
I would define it as a total package of appropriate dress, speech, conduct, delievery of current information from the field and staying abreast of the lastest educational teaching techniques.
--Terry Shields
Instructional Professionalism is being able to use the necessary tools to help students succeed in learning the material of the course. It also involves being knowledgeable about the content being delivered and bringing real world experience into the classroom.
I would define instructional professionalism as the appearance, attitude, and 'presence' of one who represents their field. Most fields or industries call for different dress and overall presence than another. For example, scrubs are usually worn in the hospital setting, while jeans and a button up shirt are more appropriate for certain areas of the music industry. Attitude plays a big role as well. As a teacher, one must maintain a sense of authority without becoming a dictator. On the other hand, certain military positions of authority may mean that you are more submissive in your position than authoritative. Last but not least is one's 'presence', for lack of a better way to describe it. When the President steps to the mic or is out on a jog, there is a sense of respect and acknowledgement of his title and presence. This same principle also applies to the intern that paid attention and already knows what the Assistant or Engineer of a session will need.
Instructional professionalism means to deliver the information to be taught in a clear, conise manner. Students and subjects should be treated with respect. Patience must be given. Students are not there to become my friends, but I must look the part, possess the technical skills, and research presentation areas prior to class. I must continue to educate myself in order to become respected and accepted as a quality instructor.
Hi Dewee,
Your last point is one that is often overlooked by students as they progress through their training. The network of associates that they are developing will be extremely valuable as their career progresses. Thanks for sharing this.
Gary
Instructional professionalism includes being prepared for class, arriving to and ending class on time, ,maintaining a professional appearance and having knowledg and experience in one's field. Additonally a professional instructor offers students support and tutoring and is able to direct students to resources if the instructor can't provide help needed. Develping a network of individuals in the same field also enhances one' professional practice.
I think in addition to content knowledge, it is in classroom management. Making sure class starts on time, equipment is ready and you are dressed for the part. It is also setting standards and sticking to them. It is taking professionalism into the classroom
Knowing your subject matter, being prepared for class and always staying on top of any new developing technology or guidelines that affect the subject you are teaching. I feel students know when you're "winging" it, and it's not fair to them, they have enrolled in our class to learn from our experience and we owe it to them to give them the most up-to-date information possible.
Instructional professionalism is a mindset and attitude choice. A commitment to instructional professionalism means that an instructor is not only proficient with the course content, but in addition, the instructor is well prepared to go to class. The hardest part of teaching is the preparation and organization that goes into every class and every lesson. Instructional professionalism requires that instructors consider multiple ways of assessing the learning and delivering the material. To me, a commitment to instructional professionalism means that we go above and beyond the minimum requirements.
Hi James,
Well stated. This is what professionalism is all about.
Gary
Instructor professionalism centers on the instructor's ability to know his or her students, to portray a sense of commitment and caring to the students and to the course and to deliver quality education in a professional manner.
