Show the student that you know your subject matter and is able to communicate same to them. If student see that you are excited about what you are teaching they will also
I teach pharmacy technology. There are several ways I model behaviors that help my students succeed in their career field. The first way is being on time. I am in the classroom at least 1 hour before the start of class, and always start class at the scheduled time. I also end class on time, not sooner or later. Students tend to want to leave early but I remind them that I would never want to "steal" the time they're paying for. Attendance is graded on a daily basis. I often share stories with them about how it affects everyone in the pharmacy when someone does not show up for their shift on time. Another way is by dressing professionally. At the pharmacy all staff members must wear name badges to identify themselves. My bad is worn at all times and I expect students to do the same. Most pharmacies require professional dress while some allow scrubs. I come professionally dressed each day since we are in an office-like setting. Finally, I model good customer service and appropriate language use. I am courteous and address each student by name, I use a soft to mild tone, and never any foul language. I try to get to know each student as much as possible without crossing the line between student and teacher. I am aware that everything I do can have a lasting impression.
Dejan,
Simple concept but one that has powerful implications for a successful future.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
one of my old instructors told us that the most important things is to show up. nothing will happen if we just stay home or not make initiative.
Sarah,
Good point and something all instructors need to remember. It is almost impossible to get the students engaged in the learning process if they see an instructor that does not model the standards of the field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I too believe that it should be a practice what you preach. If there are standards for the students to abide by then the Instructors need to follow the same ones. If the students do not feel as tho the Instructors are not equals to them then it can cause a lot of tension in the classroom.
Kerry,
The greater role you have as a role model the more influence you have on the lives of your students. We need to always keep this in mind when we are interacting with them. You make a very good point about the value associated with being a positive role model.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I beleive that we as instructors need to be a role models for our students. Some of the students have never had a good role model before. Many of the students don't even have study skills. I think it is important for us to show the students that you can be professional and still be human. I personally will admit when I am wrong and I actully thank the student for bringing a mistake to my attention. This way we all get to learn from the mistake.
Kerry Matthews
Leslie,
Good point about setting the standard for your students. If we model our expectations it is easier to enforce them when needed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As an educator I believe it is vital that you practice what you preach. Encouraging a student to be timely, presentable, attentive, etc. are all things that you can show to them as an instructor. Inevitably they will model your behavior because you are setting the standard.
In my personal situation, I am providing education to students of a technical field in which I practice as well. I have the understanding, experience, and knowledge of what it takes to do the job they are training to do and can give them additional informaiton on the topic which I teach to them specifically as part of their program. This diversity allows me to be able to give them an even better understanding and be a role model to them in more than one capacity.
This is true, I have learned and had personal experience with this. Leading by example, showing the students the importance and value of being open minded, think logically, understanding how other's are thinking are imperative. I do not teach criminal justice but do teach paralegal studies and this is a subject with a lot of gray areas and need to have a good thought process.
Laura, you do have some great points also in regards to public speaking. I believe that being able to express your point of view and being able to communicate are highly demanded in these fields.
As a role model, we have to pay close attention to our behavior and language. Some positive behaviors are - Starting class on time, grading assignments and exams promptly, replying to e-mails promptly. We have to have genuine concern for their welfare. Students can feel whether a teacher has genuine concern or not. Teachers need to show compassion and concern towards students. honesty is also very important.
Kelly,
Right you are about stories being a way to engage students. They love hearing them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Yes I would agree the real stories are my intro hook to every class. This brings them. Even if I was not the person in the story. If I read or a friend went through.. Stories are great, even the negative so that they can see both sides
Your students look to you for everything. Being able to show them the ins and outs in the field are great starting points. We do more skills than me standing in front of the class giving a 2hr lecture, this reaches them better, than they see me in a different setting also. I get better response from them.
Being on time Will demonstrate to the students that punctuality plays a big part of being successful and professional.
Jennifer,
This is a major issue with my students as well. I spend a lot of time helping them to see how they need to be able to professionally communicate in the work world if they are going to be successful. Keep up this most needed effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think language is very important. Many students are so used to the way they speak to friends and family they don't even realize when something is inapropriate. Speaking clearly and without crude language to express an idea can really help students see the difference.
Cameron,
Students love hearing real world stories. These stories increase the value of the content you are sharing with them as well as enhances the internalization of the knowledge they are acquiring. The more connections you can make between the content and the real world the better. Keep sharing these examples.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Be wise and kind, point out what was right oabout their answer then correct them
