I find that giving my students real-world examples of how I have responded to patients in the clinical setting has greatly improved their patient care skills when they enter clinicals themselves. I provide details that they would not have been aware of otherwise.
Cameron
Kit,
It is a building process just as you state so it needs to be positive from the very first session of class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As instructors, first impression is lasting impression. Start out with positive energy and the student can feed off of that.
Lisa,
Good way to be an educational leader because as you say the students follow your lead so it needs to be a professional one.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am a firm believer in leading by example. I feel students look to us for guidance and validation they can also be the successful professional that stands before them. I have set a standard for myself that exudes professionalism and students mock these actions and know to expect it.
Taria,
Good point and one we need to remember each time we approach the classroom.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think by following the rules and policies that are in place for the student you gain the respect required to be considered a role model. It is important as instructors to remember our rules and the purpose they serve inorder to maintain consistancy.
The way we carry ourselves as instructors leaves a lasting impression on our students. Teaching our students to be punctual, knowledgeable and compassionate will give them the foundation needed to succeed in the health care field.
Christine,
Passion for one's field is so important in setting the tone for the class and getting the students engaged in the learning process. Good points. Thanks.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think we should strive to always be enthusiastic about our profession! Try to be inspirational and set good examples. Be on time and be prepared. Show our human side. Share the mistakes we have made and the lessons we have learned from them.
Rosalie,
Yes, we do. We are showing students how to manage so they in turn can develop time and task management skills within their own careers.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
We must make sure to set good examples by managing our time, maintaining a professional appearance, emphasizing rules, maintaining highest standards and work ethics.
Miriam,
This is part of the "human" aspect of being an instructor and each instructor should remember this when asked a question or having an inquiry from a student.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Amy,
Students really like instructors to share their work experiences with them. They help to make the content come alive and have application to what they are learning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The first thing that comes to my mind, is professionalism paired with mentorship. I have met my share of "professionals" who are either unapproachable beyond the classroom or act shocked when they are asked personal questions about their profession. We should always expect and be prepared to enthusiastically answer questions about our profession and encourage our students to become a mentor for others.
Fortunately I have a lot of clinical experience so I have been able to share examples of real situations they might encounter and what sort of professional behavior would be expected. I try to reinforce their positive attributes by attaching them to similar hypothetical situations.
Scott,
Great list for all instructors to reflect on and follow. Thank you for sharing it with us. I know it will be of great help to other instructors, especially those just starting their teaching careers.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Scott,
So true. You may be the first person they have gotten to know and worked with in their chosen field. It is so important to make sure you reflect a professional role model just as you mention.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Bernadette,
This is part of being a role model. By speaking language in the format of the career area you are setting a standard for the students and guiding them the direction of career success. Keep up the good effort.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
There are many behaviors that are important for us as career school instructors to model. We must always be aware that students carefully observe everything we say and do, and especally what we do not do. Not all students have knowledge/experience of the professional behaviors that will determine their post graduation success. They will learn them from you, or not if you as an instructor fail to model them. Basic simple instructor behaviors that must always be demonstrated are:
1) Class must start on time
2)All instructional materiaLS must be in place before class starts
3) Be a subject matter expert and develop your skills in transferring you knowledge to your students.
4)Be fair and impartial in all class activity.
5) Instructors must Dress and act like a professional
6) Be there for your students when they need you
7) Always be supportave and encourging for your students
8) Always be honest and insist on the same from your students
