We must always present a professional image, both in dress and behavior, for our students to model themselves on. In the career college setting not all of our students are knowleable about professional behaviors that they will need to achieve success after graduation. This makes it all the more important for us as instructors to model these behaviors.
I strive to speak in a professional manner, hoping my students will copy some of my lingo. Many of the students I teach speak with improper gammar and slang, which will hurt them in a job interview.
I am continuously mindful as I instruct that I model not only the technical skills required to instruct, but also constantly strive to set a positive example for interpersonal and management skills. I feel like these are the more subtle aspects for personal growth and success that are often overlooked in learning, but are so important for post-graduation and success in life.
As an instructor it is important to model to our students the behavior we want to see. From the way we dress to how we handle problems that arise. I feel that is important to ensure that workesheets that are handed out or material that is supplied that we have created be free from error. We expect students to proof read we shall also expect the same from ourselves.
Fallon,
I agree. Proper dress is an essential part of being a role model for students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Hetty,
You have a balanced and comprehensive approach to your instructional efforts. I like the way you have it laid out so you know what your want from your students and they know what to expect from you.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Since I am a clinical coordinator I try to dress professional at all times, even on casual Fridays. I believe that if you show you care about your appearance and hygiene, the students will follow.
I feel that my attitude about my field as well as my continued connection with it will model success. In my area,the graphic arts field, technology is constantly changing. It requires energy and enthusiasm to remain competitive and a positive flexible attitude regarding change to make it in the field. I try and demonstrate these characteristics in the classroom both in terms of relating with students and in terms of sharing my professional experiences with them. I am punctual and prepared, I exhibit a positive upbeat mood, I dress appropriately for the industry and I conduct my self in such a way as to respect my students. In turn they respect me.
Brent,
This is such an important part of their education. By you setting the standard for professional conduct and dress you are helping them to prepare to be good role models as well.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
As a clinical supervisor, I have the opportunity to act as a role model by demonstrating professional interactions between patient and healthcare provider. The students can benifit through this by applying it to their present and future patients.
As an instructor I would need to be ontime and be prepared for class. Gain as much knowledge on the subject matter as I can.
Communication is key in any profession. Showing effective listening and communication models professionalism. Having roundtable class discussions can help boost students public speaking confidence and prepare them to for the health care field helping them add to patient rounds, physician contact, and good co-worker rapport.
Samantha,
I like the comprehensive approach that you are taking with your students. They are acquiring knowledge, skills and career preparation all at the same time. This should put them in an excellent position as they enter the workplace.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Melanie,
So true. We are trying to help with behaviors that should have been acquired prior to coming into the class but unfortunately have not in many cases. Makes our work even harder because we are trying to impart content as well as soft skills in a very short time.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Our program has professional guidelines that the students have to follow. It is very important that the instructors emulate those ideas or the students will not even consider the idea. I make sure to be in class early, ready to work, and expect that of them as well. I make it a point to dress professionally, keep conversation relevant to the course and appropriate, and explain the importance of the material as it applies to the workplace. We take our students on field trips where they can see the information they are learning being put to use, use the skills in lab settings, and apply them in externships. It is important that the students view school and externships as an extension of the workplace and carry the same professional ideals to any job. Instilling that idea is very important and I hope that I show them everyday how important their education is and how to act and succeed in the workforce.
This is a skill that is often lacking in college students because they do not learn the skill in high school or grade school. We need to model the behavior and guide them as they "learn" how to be successful college students!
Darcie,
These student statements say it all about the type of teacher you are. You are bringing your A game to class each time it meets and your enthusiasm about your topic is catching. The key we all need to remember that even though we have been through this many times it is the first and only time for that group of students thus we need to keep your excitement level high. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I always try to be excited about class no matter what the subject is that day . My students sometimes wonder why I am so excited about dissecting an eye for the one hundreth time.
Ryan,
This is a good blended approach that really helps the students see how to conduct themselves when they are out working. You are setting the standard for conduct and professionalism that they will need to strive for.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Gamaliel,
Thank you for these good points on how to present yourself as a positive role model. The soft skills are an essential part of career success so we need to make sure out students get to observe them in action.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
