Once students have chosen a clear career path, the role model of the instructor can take on a very motivational position. The student can see the personal success of the instructor, they can feel the enthusiasm and they are acknowledged in their journey toward their career goal.
Marilyn,
I agree and that is why it is so important to model the highest level of behavior and conduct that is expected in the field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also believe that students will mimic the instructor as what is expected of them in professionalism
Breanna,
This is such an important part of their education. The more examples they can review and situations they can work through the better prepared they will be when they graduate.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe showing them the proper and professional way of handling a difficult situation would greatly help a student. They need to be taught a level of professionalism they need with their patients and their co-workers. There is a difference between being someone's bestfriend and being a good co-worker.
Larry,
Well said. The walk is the value part of professional development. The talk is only talk until it becomes walk.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Always lead by setting the correct examples and you do this by walking the talk. Be a positive influencer and allways be open to any and all questions. Students will follow a leader professional traits.
Donna,
What are some way you model professional behavior and demonstrate good listening skills with your students?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Model professional behavior, dress and good listening skills.
Rana,
Good strategy because we need and are the role models that our students observe and follow. We cannot expect them to follow rules and policies if we don't.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I set an example for my students by following there rules that are listed in the student handbook. this way they can see I do not have to follow there rules, but I choose to follow there rules.
Faith,
You were not too long at all. I enjoyed reading your comments and the way you expressed the steps educators need to follow to be role models. This is a major part of what and who we are as educators so we need to make sure we are modeling an accurate reflection of our expectations for our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Instructors as roles models can always win students over by first showing them that they can succeed from the level they are on and then where they can go. Even if an instructor may not able to identify with exactly where a student is in life, we all know a story of someone who can. Personalize that story or your own experience.(Like being a single working mother, commend them for their small victories, which is also an instructor as a motivator. But also stop and get them to express how they could have chosen a different path.) For instance, students who may have difficulty with pronounciation, take the time to let them know a word you have difficulty with and how you overcame it - using an online audio dictionary, etc. An example of how imperfectiom is not a bad thing but part of the growth process. A little vunerability backed with a golden moment for a teaching opportunity goes a long way. (Sorry so long)
Tena,
Thank you for sharing these very good thoughts because they reflect what instructors should be about as they approach their instructional planning and delivery.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In thinking about the question, I would have to say that as a instructor confidence, mental strength, and a display of time management are types of behaviors I strive to display before my students. I feel this will not only help the students but it will allow for growth of the student also. Growth not only needs to be in the class room, but in our everyday walk.
Chris,
So right and so important in establishing a positive learning environment for the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
There is nothing more encouraging than students to see instructors who are always on time, have a pleasant personality, willing to listen to them, and goes the "extra mile" to assist in whatever the students' educational needs may be. Lastly, be encouraging.
Nicole,
This is how you bring balance and input into the classroom to the benefit of all students. Your students should feel comfortable and supported as they move through your course as a result of your modeling the behavior you expect from them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Some ways that I can model behavior that will help my students succeed in their career field is wearing professional attire, being punctual and effectively handling concerns/resolutions. By wearing professional attire, first I believe it helps the students to take me seriously as their instructor and second it models how important it is to dress for success. Second, being punctual is important because it shows the students that I care enough to be present and on time for their learning. Third, effectively handling concerns/resolutions in the classroom, by this I mean recognizing that although students may disagree in the classroom, due to different views, we can respect our differences and still focus on the overall goal, this skill is transferable to the workplace because customers may have concerns that need to be addressed professionally and not with hostility.
Jeremy,
You have a good approach going with your students. By raising scenarios and asking them for their input you are helping them to develop their own ethical approach to their field. By "own ethical approach" I meant in concert with the ethics of the field and their own internal understanding of how they must conduct themselves as professionals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
