Since my students do not see me fact to face, I focus on the non-visual aspects of being a role model such as using language that is suitable in a professional environment, keeping a professional tone in my chat sessions, emails and feedback, as well as making sure that I start the required chat session on time and open office hours as posted in the course.
It is sometimes challenging as students can write in a rather hostile manner when they do not agree with a grade. I have to think a little about how to answer a rude email about grades but most of the time I find that if I respond in a concerned up-front manner, students will change from the hostile writing to a more professional manner.
You can model behaviors by the way you dress, the use of language, being on time for classes, be organised and focused on what is being done.
One of the first and most important behaviors that can be modeled and taken into a daily regiment is being on time. Matter of fact, be early, so you don't have to appear in a rush or unorganized. Being on time sets a standard of excellence as an instructor and earns respect. It lets the student know there will be no lag in beginning class and they should best be on time as well. This behavior is so helpful in future engagements, interviews, appointments, meetings, and hopefully jobs. Majority of people who have lost jobs outside of not knowing or performing on the level expected has lost the job from not being on time on a regular basis.
By arriving early to class (time keeping)
My conduct and language.
One way is to Always be punctual and start class on time and provide feedback in a timely manner. Another way instructors can model behavior is to always dress in a manner reflective of the industry expectation.
Instructors must present a professional demeanor in every situation--arriving early, being prepared, interactions with others, etc. No matter what the situation, the instructor is expected to pressent himself/herself in a professional manner and "be the example" by appropriately representing the industry and the school to the students.
Speak professionally using medical terms, keeping business business, dress professionally, walk with confidence like you are somebody and your are capable of teaching the students what you already know by education and experience.
Alexander,
This is so important and something all instructors need to remember as they work and interact with students.
Gary
As a teacher at a technical school I find that I really need to set the example. I need to look and sound the part of a profesional. Some of the people that are in our classes really have no idea what it is to have a job.
Throughout my entire educational career as a teacher and administrator, I have made intentional efforts to always be the role model for my students that I expect them to demonstrate as professionals. This begins from the minute that I walk through the door of the school each morning dressed in appropriate business attire; dress shirt, tie, suit or sport jacket, coordinating slacks and shoes that are cleaned and polished. As I walk through the hallway to my office or classroom, I greet each colleague and student in a way that I want to be greeted with courtesy and respect. Many of us may arrive at school with personal issues, but to be greeted in a friendly, sincere manner by someone who cares, seems to help start the day in another direction. I also make it a daily point to be in the classroom at least 30 minutes before the students arrive. This gives me the time I need to focus my energies on the lesson of the day, have my instructional support materials prepared and organized, and make sure they are easily accessible to me and the students in order to maintain instructional momentum and maximize instructional time. Once I am prepared for the arrival of the students, I look forward to greeting each student at the door as he or she arrives to class. At the end of the class, I also make deliberate efforts to stand at the door again and acknowledge each student's efforts and accomplishments during the class.
Instructors need to be a role model for their students. This is demonstrated by the instructor being on time for class and well prepared. The instructor is also responsible for managing their class. The instructor must show authority, be a disciplinarian, be a cheerleader and often serve as the judge and jury. The instructor is also responsible for motivating the students in the class.
Eunice,
Good points about all aspects of an instructor's professional conduct. I want to reinforce your comment about how we conduct ourselves outside of our classrooms because that is often the way students measure us.
Gary
An instructor's behavior in the classroom sets the example for students to follow. It includes attributes such as being on time and being prepared for class, and being willing to admit when you do not know something or have made a mistake. A good role model tries to correct mistakes and takes the extra time to find new information needed. I also think students learn a lot from your behavior in adverse situations such as dealing with a difficult student. They watch carefully to see if you "lose your cool" or if you deal with that student in a firm, but respectful manner.
An instructor's behavior outside of the classroom is important also. I have seen students whose behavior is quite correct in the classroom behave in a totally immature or inappropriate way in the hallways of the school. I think observing instructors maintain their professionalism outside of the classroom is also important to students.
Being on time, being prepared for class, and being respectful are behaviors that I model to my students. I also let them see that I too have a life outside the classroom - family, fulltime employment, and other demands.... I think this is important because sometimes my students think they have too many other commitments to do well in school (or even stay in school) - but my showing them that I can balance everything I have going on it sometimes help them to balance and prioritize.
Using good manners,keeping your temper at bay, not using bad language and dressing daily as you expect your students to do.
I feel some of the most important behaviors that should be modeled by instructors is arriving to class on time, if not on time be early.
Many of the students I instruct at times do not understand that punctuality is SO important for both their education and most importantly the career fields they will eventually emerge into. They may not realize that if they form the habit of always arriving late to class, and take that same bad habit to their future jobs, they can get themselves into a mess of trouble when their boss/supervisor warns them or eventually terminate them due to their tardiness.
Another behavior that will help students succeed is pure professionalism. If you as an instructor model the utmost form of professionalism that in turn shows the students that they too must reflect the same approach while in class as well as in their careers, and hopefully in all aspects of their lives.
I think that motivation is a behavior that should be modeled to students. If a teacher or an instructor is not motivated to be teaching the course or to be at work everyday, what makes them think that their students will feel any different. Being the driving force of motivation in the classroom is key in order for the students to also model that behavior and hopefully as they progress in their careers they can carry that same motivation, continue to strive at their jobs, and of course love their jobs.
Kathryn,
So true. We have to be consistent as instructors so the students will start to model this behavior in their own career development. Also, consistency will help students to respect their instructors since they know they can depend on them to follow through with what they say they will do.
Gary
Lisa,
This is a good point and one the students need to understand and have expertise in. The majority of the work that all of us do involves problem solving so we need to help our students to develop competence in this area. Seeing how we approach problem solving is a great way to help students develop their own methods of working through field problems.
Gary
I think it is important to follow through with these things but sometimes depending on the students, assignments and objectives may need to be changed. I feel an instructor should always be self accessing their performance. Every class is different and with that different approaches may need to be taken for the students to actually gain knowledge from the experience.
Some ways to model behaviors to help students succeed in their career field are:
Dress professionally
Speak professionally
Arrive early
Accept criticism and respond appropriately
I find that a lot of students do not know how to take criticism and learn from it.
I also find that some faculty members ignore student criticism and do not actually access themselves to see if they should make changes in the classroom.
