Vera,
Your understanding of what Instructional Professionalism is is very good. Good way to explain it. I know your students appreciate this approach in helping them move toward their career goals.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
My understanding of Instructional Professionalism is demonstrating intellect, knowing the subject mater (factual and practical), having the edge on emerging technologies - all while providing optimal instruction to students.
Understanding all that is being taught here, as a basis for what instructor should be able to demonstrate in terms of their ability to solve problems via progressive research; while demonstrating their desire to continue their own professional education, respectively.
Vera Davis
Beth,
The human factor is so important in the educational process and that blended with your competence from the field brings real learning opportunities to students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Daniel,
Good foundational approach to the classroom and one that prepares both you and your students to learn effectively and efficiently.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I try to show my professionalism everyday in class with my knowledge of the course subject matter, my enthusiasm of the subject matter, and showing my interest and caring directed towards each student.
I think that a lot of instructors have very similar viewpoints regarding this topic. I believe that arriving early to class, being dressed professionally, and being organized are three of the most important aspects of teacher professionalism. You must be prepared -- with not only a game plan, but also with a deep rooted background knowledge of the subject matter. When asked questions, it is best to respond with solid and firm answers.
Well instructional professionalism to me would include being a good example to your students. You need to dress appropriately, talk appropriately, know your materials, and deliver them in a way that is fitting to your group of students.
Tram,
What are some ways you do both of these efforts?
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
instructional practice and professional expections
Instructional professionalism is being confident and comfortable in your subject, wearing appropriate attire, being direct with students, having fund and being humble. Can't approach the situation as a know it all.
Veronica,
Good list of professional components for an instructor. This items provide a balance between the development of soft skills and content knowledge which is essential for students to acquire.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Carl,
Well laid out understanding of what instructional professionalism is about. You are bringing both the human and content aspects of teaching into your classes.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Richard,
Well stated and supported by your understanding of how individuals receive and internalize new information. With this approach your students will leave your classes understanding both the concepts and applications of their field.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Instructional professionalism is when an instructor is empathatic to the needs of the learners. The instructor should prepared to teach the course work and present it in a professional manner. Answer questions in a professional tone. Instructors should listen and observe the actions of the learners to ensure they are understanding the content of the lesson.
A person who demonstrates special attributes and characteristics, having a professional approach, and applying it to educational instruction.
These characteristics are knowledge of the subject. Communicating skill so they are able to transfer this knowledge to the student. Respect of there others (students). Time management and control of the classroom. All of these attributes rolled into an image or presentation that implies the above mentioned characteristics.
I am a lawyer by training and profession. This signifies a degree of education, knowledge, experience, proficiency and specialized training with respect to legal matters--i.e., to be qualified to give legal advice to clients. This--i.e., legal knowledge--is the substance of what I teach.
To me, an "instructional professional" is someone who through practice, training, education, etc. has undertaken to become a professional in the methodology of presenting the substantive (legal) knowledge that I possess. By becoming proficient in the process of presenting this information, I am better able to share my substantive knowledge with students.
I always can discuss law with my attorney colleagues using "legalese." However, if I communicate with my students in "legalese" the amount of substantive (legal) information that they would assimilate would be negligible, at best. Becoming an "instructional professional" means that I am learning methods of communicating my substantive information in manners and methods that are more easily assimilated by students.
Thus, instructional professionalism (to me) encompasses becoming more proficient in the method of transferring substantive knowledge.
Shirley,
Yes, it is. Respect in both directions sets the stage for the development of rapport. With respect and rapport much progress can be made in learning and professional development.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Craig,
Well stated. This is what make a professional educator professional. There is a balance of knowledge and instructional expertise combined with passion for teaching and one's field.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have found that a big part of instructional professionalism is to treat my students with respect. In my experience when I show them respect I can expect it back and I do! Being a positive role model, prepared and on time with honesty and integrity as my goals shows them I care and I am committed to them. Instructional Professionalism is being "real" at all times, wearing professional attire, knowing the subject matter, and being available to them so that they will know I want them to succeed in my class and they are important to me.
I think Instructional Professionalism is what you bring to the table as a teacher. It encompasses all of what you have learned in your field and how you present it to a class.
Instructional Professionalism is about how you connect, and the choices you make in bringing content into the classroom in a meaningful way.
