Practice and display professionalism everyday students will look to you as an example
Instructional Professionalism is completely necessary in the classroom however, my question is what would you suggest an instructor to do in the situation where students are behaving inappropriately in the lab and you find yourself having to be unprofessional in order to handle it effectively? (ie a student is making innapropriate/sexual comments while scanning the lower extremities eventhough all the students involved are joking and carrying on)
I would define instuctional professionalism as
being the instrument to deliver knowledge under
any classroom circumstance.To deliver it with
accuracy and passion and to all students equally
if possible.
Intructional profressionalism is being well prepared for the class session, arriving early enough to greet students, starting class on time and ensuring your dress is appropriate for the class. I always try to make sure I look approachable.
Above everything being a great example to the students. Instructors are the first introduction to students of what working out in their field of choice is going to be like. So being prepared, professional, respectful.
Professionalism means to present ourselves in a manner that shows we respect ourselves and others and that we have a thorough knowledge of our field. Instructional Professionalism includes the same qualifications, but includes aspects specific to teaching others. Examples include being to class on time (respecting our students); wearing appropriate, business-type clothing (respecting ourselves and our profession); being prepared for class (respecting the students); having a good understanding of the topic we're teaching (respect for our profession); being fair and consistent in our interactions with our students (not having favorites) and expanding our knowledge of both our subject and teaching methods.
Alot like the Boy Scout oath. "...being physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight." It's a good start to help you become energized, prepared, and ethical.
My definition is the following:
It is the type of teaching we give to our students when we really are experts in knowledge, we have specialized knowledge; we have excellent manual/ practical and literary skills as well as a high quality in our job skills.
In other words, is teaching in a way that shows we are experts who master and be passionate in the class we teach.
Instructional professionalism is always dressing and acting appropriately in front of your students.
Matthew,
Good comments about the education of the total student. You hit on both the technical and soft skills needed for career success. Your definition of professionalism is one that other instructors should consider as they define professionalism for themselves.
Gary
Know your material, be prepared, have a plan, be flexible when it doesn't work, and bring an attitude of integrity and a desire to enrich the lives of others to every class you teach. It may sound hokey, but I believe a professional is less what you wear on your body, and more about what you carry on your face and in your heart. Our students get in the door on their technical skills and knowledge, but as any interviewer will tell you, it's the proper attitude projected in the interview that wins them the job. You can be the best dressed and most prepared instructor in the building, but if you don't possess the right attitude--a love of your subject and your students--then you only end up modeling on a surface level.
Suguna,
I like your style as a dedicated professional educator. You care about your students and their success and you demonstrated this with your finding of the answer and then sharing it with them. Keep up the great work you are doing. You are impacting lives every time you teach.
Gary
Sara,
Yes, it is. It something that we instructors need to work to achieve every time we interact with students.
Gary
Amanda,
Good way to position yourself as the authority and knowledge leader in the class.
Gary
I agree, its a total package. Also as educators we should anticipate and be ready for the challenging situations. Last Tuesday my lecture on Schizophrenia went smooth as i planned until one of my student threw a questions for which i did not know a sure answer, so instead of delivering wrong messages i told her that i am going to look for the answer and get back to her the next day. Next day i emailed the answer to the whole class and the students were happy. In 1985 as a new educator, when i was faced with a similar problem i could not quit. Expereience is wealth of knowledge.
Instructional professionalism is the teacher’s consistent effort to reach to her students in a professional manner. This includes competence, performance and conduct which reflect educational goal of the teacher and the organization she works for.
Modeling by example, practicing relaxed business, and intentions of teaching every student what they need to know. This is best done in a non-judgemental, consistent and fair environment.
I guess it's being a positive example for your students to follow in addition to merely dispensing information.
I see so much at my job teaching that is against professionalism. For me I try to remember my students are not my friends, they do not get to know my personal life. I also feel I do a good job making them feel I care about them as a student. I also would never use poor launge in the class because they would feel that its ok to do the same.
Hamm
I define instructional professionalism as anything involved with an instructors continuing pursuit of excellence.
