James,
You are modeling more than you think with your efforts. You are showing your students that you are a dedicated professional and that you are there to assist them in achieving their career goals if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Nannette,
Good point and one that the students pick up on very quickly. Both the talk and the walk have to be consistent.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I would say that students sometimes have no one else to talk to or look up to so that is just one way you can serve as a role model.
When I discuss a specific topic with my students in the lab setting I like to give them specific troubleshooting problems and have them explain to me how they would diagnose the issue.
Yes, certainly one of their role models.
Starting on Time and being Prepared is where I want to focus. I want my students to see me as an example of how important they are to me. How important it is for me to give them the best I can to make their learning experience a positive and successful one.
The students’ first impression of the instructor can set the tone for the classroom environment. Instructors should demonstrate professionalism at all times because they are representing the students and school.
The Instructor's work product can also serve as a proxy for the degree to which he/she regards their profession. By example, students do appreciate handouts that are cleanly copied, quizzes and tests that are error free and slides that are absent of typos and grammatical errors. A professional work product can send a clear message to the student about the Instructor's integrity and the degree of respect they have for the person that they are delivering it to.
As a first time instructor, I am just about 3 years removed from college and still working within my industry. Most of my students are my age or older, thus my strategy is probably atypical for my profession. My goal is to empower them to learn, rather than to teach them new or improved methods. I feel it is important for me not to treat them as children, since most of them are already adults in a career transitional period. Thus, my only model behaviors include dress and professional terminology.
As a first time instructor, I am just about 3 years removed from college and still working within my industry. Most of my students are my age or older, thus my strategy is probably atypical for my profession. My goal is to empower them to learn, rather than to teach them new or improved methods. I feel it is important for me not to treat them as children, since most of them are already adults in a career transitional period. Thus, my only model behaviors include dress and professional terminology.
I have always felt that I must dress the part. For example, if the dress code states that post earrings are the only piercings allowed then that is all I'll ware. Or if the student handbook states no cell phone usage in the class I'll leave mine in my locker. I can't enforce the rules without following them myself.
Vida,
Your approach gives them a standard to work toward that is based upon real world demands. The more they understand this and acquire the discipline to be on time and prepared the easier their transition is going to be into the work place.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I am consistent and state expectations at the beginning of each class. I start class on time and have developed a reputation among the student, as the teacher that follows the rules for late assignments, attendance etc. They know that I am fair, but that there are consequences for coming to class tardy and that my lectures begin 5 minutes after class begins. Hand outs are given out prior to lecture and if you walk in late you will have to wait until break to receive handouts or other materials. This is to encourage them to be on time and prepare them for workshops and meetings in the professional environment.
I have heard other instructors state that the students will tell them I have to hurry I can't be late she is lecturing today, and that they state I know exactly what to do if I am going to be out, because she gives us a good topical outline and they are aware of what is expected of them through out the term.
I am passionate about what I teach and always share stories of my experiences on the job. I have had students tell me that they appreciate that I am fair with everyone. Some insturctors they say don't have deadlines or will change a deadline to make it convenient for another student and this is frustrating to them if they made an effort to complete assignments in a timely manner. They way I respond is that in the work place you have different types of managers, not all are strict, but look at what you can learn from each and focus on that. It may not make it right, but two wrongs never make a right. Best to focus on something you can use than dwell on what we can't change at the moment.
Professional behavior includes acceptance of divergent opinions and assertively discussing differences - so thats how i run my classroom.
David,
How do you model your professional behavior when working with students. Thanks for sharing with us.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
i agree. Its a challenge expecting professional behavior if we dont model it.
I agree with this method it works very well. Senior students are excited to help newer students and show what they have learned.
The answer is simple. I self reflect on role models, and more importantly, respected professors that manifest values/skills that are conducive to success, professionalism, and happiness. These values are sophistication, ability to articulate, and charisma. Students learn more from someone they respect from experience and natural intelligence. Charisma is a character trait that compels students to not only be highly engaged, but to emulate you as a role model in their own lives as well.
having worked in the field for 20 years, my experiences can help the students know what to expect when they enter the field.
Wouter,
Well said. I appreciate the examples you shared as well. This shows the students how they need to set standards high for themselves just as their instructors have if they are going to rise to the top of their career areas.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Mark,
All good ways to demonstrate to your students what a professional is. The more you give them opportunities to model such behavior the stronger their soft skills are going to be when they are in the workplace.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
