Hi Gilbert,
Excellent layout for instructors to realize how they need to approach the classroom or lab. These three key points will position them for successful teaching and student achievement.
Gary
I would define professionalism as the instructor's overall appearance and how he/she handles themselves in the classroom environment.
Certainly the instructor should be an accurate representation of what the field requires. If there is auniform that should be worn, then the instructor should also be wearing one.
The instructor should also be representative of the way the particular field operates in the business world.
I think instructional proficiency results from a combination of factors:
- The instructor must know his material. This knowledge can come from either experience or education, ideally a combination of both.
- The instructor must be able to convey the material to the students so they can grasp the educational objectives. We have all had to listen to instructors who have been able to tell interesting "war stories" but who left the audience at the end of the class saying, "Well, I enjoyed the class - but what was I supposed to learn from it."
- The instructor must be able to maintain a professional demeanor with the students. As mentioned in the class material, the instructor should exceed the standards in appearance, speech, and ethics to which he holds the students.
Hi Cheryl,
Good comments concerning being prepared. Instructors know they need to be but sometimes let planning slip down in their to do list. As you mention the students quickly know when an instructor has not spent the needed time in preparation.
Gary
I think that preparation is most important. You must be ready for each class and have the class well planned out before the day of the class so that you are comfortable with what you will be teaching and doing that day. Students know when you are uncomfortable or unprepared. So, be sure to put you best foot forward at all times.
Cheryl
Hi Estella,
You make a good point about the need for preparation and the results that come from it. You last sentence captures the key reason for preparation. Instructors have to be seen by students as having something to contribute and if they are seen as such class management is going to be a big issue.
Gary
It is having the abilities/qualities to be able to instruct/teach a topic so that the student is able to effectively learn the subject matter. It is designing a learning enviroment that achieves this goal.
I believe that by being prepared and doing research ahead of time, you can obtain the confidence you need to be and appear competent in front of a group of students. when the students feel that they can trust your knowledge now they are ready to recieve your information. If you falter, they begin to doubt and your credibility is in question, now they are thinking about wether you are legitimate, and stop listening to the subject at hand.
Hi Micheal,
Well said. Projection of professionalism is a must. You set the level of the bar and that bar needs to be high so it reflects the standards of the field for which they student are training. This gets them ready for a successful future and rewarding career.
Gary
Certainly knowledge of the material is important; additionally being able to share it in a clear fashion is important; preparedness on all levels is important. You like to think everything is working in a classroom when you arrive, but double checking ahead of time eliminates unplanned problems; those all fall back on the instructor. Dressing well and speaking well is also part of the presentation; in proprietary schools you must start the class on time even if several students are late; this sets the standard and most will adhere to it.
Hi Daronell,
That is correct. The students need to learn how a professional in their field of study conducts him or herself. Many students have not had this kind of experience so they are in need of training as they develop their persona in relation to the career.
Gary
I feel that upon defining "Instructional Professionalism" you are referring to the "on the job behaviors" needed to provide adult learners/students a sense of you knowing what to do and how to do it.
To me instructional professionalism deals with several key areas: classroom management, learning activities, professional knowledge, and interpersonal communication/educational psychology. The first second, and the last elements from my list deal with understanding who you are teaching and how to create an environment that best meets the needs of all of your students in the most effective way possible. That's so much more than just presenting information.
Hi Lyn,
You have developed an excellent format for your online instruction. You set an example for the students that is professional yet lets them know you are there to help them with the course when needed. Thank you for sharing this format. I know it will benefit other online instructors.
Gary
Hello, since I teach online, students do not see me. My dress code is very casual since I am at home. :-)
Student impressions of me come from what I post in the classroom, grading feedback, and email communication. We also have live chats, so they can hear me.
Professional behavior means that I am prompt and polite in all communications with my students and in class chats. If they are upset with grades for example, their emails to me can be a bit "over the top."
When responding, I acknowledge that they are upset and then respond in a calm way...and suggest ways to improve.
My chats include narrated slide shows which I prepare in advance and edit so that the content is up to date, and the presentation is professional... content, organization, and narration .. no uhs,ums, long pauses etc. :-)
Then we go live, and I review content and answer their questions which they type. Again, the tone is professional, supportive and focused on concepts.
We do have fun though and share personal comments to establish rapport, but if someone types a comment that could be conceived as "offensive" then I will promptly address it, but not in a harsh way. This usually elicits an apology from the student, and all is well.
:-0 Lyn
The ability of a teacher/instructor to deliver technical content using varying skills that appropriately match the needs of varying learning environments in a way that maximizes student learning.
Hi Shirley,
Well said. This is an excellent professional development plan. The results will be more effective and efficient instruction and enhanced learning for students.
Gary
The professionalism of the instructor-learner within the classroom establishes the environment within which learning can take place. An attitude that seeks continual professional development and a program that encourages and nutures instructor-learners are essential ingredients for remaining on the cutting edge of one's professional field and providing courses with the most current information and trends. Apply self-management and leadership skills that enhance professionalism; Construct an assessment portfolio and professional development plan that will serve the needs for not only outlining goals and objectives but also documenting personal performances, practices, and levels of mastery
I am a new Instructor and am fresh out of the field. I am not yet being crossed-trained until I complete my required training.
Being a recent transition to instructor I am very current on the latest technology and product that I will teach. I also plan to keep current on all changes in technology as they occur in order to keep my students current as possible.
What other advice would you have for me to ease the transition from doing to teaching?
Instructional professionalism requires several areas to be addressed. These areas include the subject matter, the communication of the subject matter and the reception of the subject matter. If the subject is reduced to manageable steps or concepts it can help the student absorb what is being taught. If the instructor can give the student a context as to why the instruction is important, the student will understand why the learning has merit. When the student is able to experience confidence from practicing what is taught then the next step or bigger picture will be more easily understood, while at the same time success contributes to motivation for both the student and the instructor.
