I thinkthis is a really important point. Returning student work when you say you will is modeling the expectations you have for your students. If you don't return work on time, why should they turn work in on time?
The way you present yourself is always important. I try to be open and meet my students half way. This shows that i am fair and reasonable and that they can always some and talk to me about their work and grades without hesitatiing..
Dress like a professional, interact with colleagues and students as a professional, and run the class on time and efficiently, especially grading papers and returning them.
I show up to class early - and we start on time. I dress professionally and return student work promptly. I speak clearly about project requirements and expectations. I encourage students to speak up during discussions and critiques. I encourage them to use industry standards and terms. I also try to impress upon my students the importance of meeting deadlines and being open to other people's comments and ideas. As future graphic designers, each one of them will HAVE to work with others and meet their clients' expectations - particularly if they want to earn a paycheck.
Arriving early to class, being prepared, dressing professionally, being enthusiastic about the material being presented. Talking about my years in the field, and how much I loved being a medical assistant.
Lori,
Welcome to education and teaching. I know with your 30 plus years of experience you have much to offer your students. Your attitude and confidence shine through in your comments so I know you are going to be successful. I wish you a most rewarding and enjoyable teaching career.
Gary
I can be a few minutes early for class and always show them that having a positive attitude can help you succeed in your career choice.
I am new to education. I have over 30 years of clinical dental experience and have had a desire to someday transition into academics. I am excited because I will be starting as a clinical instructor for a dental hygiene program. My clinical experience will enable me to instruct by being a role model for the new students just entering the field. I know I have a lot to learn about teaching in the classroom, but being able to share real work experience is invaluable.
Lori
Jonathan,
Well done. This sets a positive tone for the class to come. In addition, it earns the respect of your students because they know you are a professional.
Gary
Kimberly,
Good point. Critical thinking skills and problem solving abilities are essential in most career fields, including this one. These skills are what determine to a major extent the success of an individual in his/her career area.
I teach multicultural students Human Relations course and stress to them the importance of having good relationship with themselves, their customers, co-workers and supervisors. I show them how to do it by my interaction with my bosses and my co-teachers. Everyday I come to class before they do and make sure that I look and act professional.
In a Vet Tech surgery lab it is of great importance to demonstrate trouble shooting skills when a pet is not responding well to anesthesia. Working along side the student to resolve the problems, and serving as a role model in this situation is very important.
James,
Good definition of the what an instructor should be in terms of a role model. Good advice for other instructors.
Gary
I dress for success in the classroom. But periodically dress down and engage the students in a conversation as to whether or not they think less of a college instructor who dresses as casually as I did. Usually they start out by denying that there is anything wrong with it, but then they come around to admitting that it is hard for them to relate to an instructor who isn't professionally dressed. I tell them I am not their buddy, I am their instructor, guide and counselor and their education, not their personal life, is my paramount concern.
Merrick,
How do you do that?
Gary
bring in real world experiances.
Use the jobs you perform in your profession if it is related to course being taught or have aguest speaker with similar qaulifications present life outside clasroom ..but best will be a former student.
Susana,
Good ways to present yourself as both a role model for being an instructor as well as a role model for your field. Both forms of modeling help set the standard for the course and the career development of your students.
Gary
As a role model; i think that the most important things are, arriving on time or 15 minutes before [putting notes on the board, so that they have a sense of the tempo and the level of seriousness is less likely to be challenged].
The way you dress and are groomed [consistantly], is also very important for them to see the teacher as someone to emmulate. The way you talk and act respectful to others opinions and questions. If there is a challenge to the way I have phrased a question on a test [and it is something that happens across the class, I have to review it and inform the students that I will seriously consider their input]...I think a level of fairness is important to convey...tha they feel that they are listened to and considered. I always explain that making a test is an art form, and that teachers are not infoulable. Preparation is key.
Kenle,
Good for you and the results of your efforts are shown through the great comments you receive. Keep up the effort it is impacting the lives of your students.
Gary
