I define Instructional Professionalism as an art. It takes a person with a genuine wish to help others learn and teach correctly. In my case this is the first class that I have taught totally on my own. I hope to cultivate my instructional style in a professional manner. Since I teach esthetics and have been successful in the esthitic business for over 30 years, I hope to be able to transfer my professional experience in a manner that will be exciting and easy to understand. Instruction Professionalism to me, at this time, means staying on course, being a good model and mentor for my students.
I feel that by showing confidence in your knowledge of the subject and setting a good example as far as dressing professionally, using appropriate language, and maintaining control of the classroom would be the definition of Instructional Professionalism.
The ability to reach different types of students, in many ways. To be able to adapt to the classroom needs.
Michael,
Right you are. It is easy for instructors to forget that they are constantly being observed by students so they need to remind themselves that they are standard for their field.
Gary
Thank you, this will help me to be more flexible.
Cindy
An instructor cannot just tell the students how it is-they must model it for them.
An instructor needs to make sure that only positive models are being displayed in the classroom.
Some of these models are proper dress, use of educated language, display proper classroom conduct and being on time.
This professionalism modeling will help students to succeed in the workplace.
Cindy,
In relation to your first question about "winging it" vs having everything planned. What I think you will find is that it is a combination of both that gets you through the classes. As you start the course I would have introductions and ice breakers for the students to do. During this time you can wing it and test out your ability to ad lib and be conversational. Also, during this time you will be building rapport with the students so you can be more at ease with your interactions. When you go into the more formal part of the course you should have everything laid out and planned carefully. With that said you have to have some flexibility built in because no matter how hard you try you will go off script, there will be situations come up and you have to be able to respond to them in your own best professional manner. Have a sense of humor ready for use because you will need it no matter how well you plan.
As for assessments the more application or problem solving assessments you can use the better. They take more of your time to grade but they give you a much more accurate picture of what your students have learned.
Gary
I define it as communicating concepts and skills in a manner that will allow students to understand, remember, and apply those concepts and skills in "real world" situations. It also includes conducting myself in a manner that models the standards for conduct, appearance, and performance in the particular discipline.
Wow, your statement is so true. I think of the high school Math teacher who was so brilliant but could not explain to her students how to master geometry.
While being experts in our content area is awesome, I believe it it much harder to reach every student in a class. They are individuals and each learns differently. There is a constant challenge to find out what motivates them, individual learning styles, perceptions, and personal road blocks.
I believe showing that we care is also part of the professionalism we bring to the classroom.
When students know that we care about them and thier success amazing things happen in a classroom.
Professionalism starts before entering the classroom. Are all aspects well thought out and prepared or is there a "wing it" approach?
The preparation sets the tone and will support a good delivery of the subject.
Assessing is usually difficult for me. The traditional multiple choice/true false assessments can be confusing for some students. I find that many times questions are miss read. If possible application type assessments work the best, but are more subjective.
I believe in relationalship teaching, to build excellent rapport.
It is the ability to plan your course instructionally and deliver the content to the students in a way they can understand the material and be able to assess the students learning ability as an instructor.
Instructional professionalism means being on time and prepared, groomed and dressed appropriately and using correct and proper language.
Lindsey ,
Well said. You have covered the critical elements of what being a professional educator is all about.G
Gary
I define instructional professionalism as knowing the subject matter and effectively conveying that knowledge to the student. Dressing and acting professionally are important components but students respect an instructor who knows their subject. Confidence is key when displaying instructional professionalism. If you, as the instructor, are confident in your lesson, students will see that and be interested. I feel that even if you don't know the answer, admitting that and then looking for the correct answer is also showing professionalism. Making up an answer that could be later disproven makes an instructor look foolish. Above all else, being prepared for class with more than enough material to keep students engaged is key.
This could encompass a variety of different areas. I think it's most important to stay up-to-date as much as possible in your field, through as many ways you can. This can involve staying active in whichever field you practice rather than teaching only. It could also be staying current with all the latest literature, and interacting with other people in your field to discuss new ideas.
Once you're current and staying focused on what's relevant in your field, obviously the next step is imparting that knowledge to your students in the best way possible.
Mary,
Great list of items that contribute to professionalism. This sets you up for being a model that students can observe as they progress through the course.
Gary
Instructional professionalism is the ability to communicate with students effectively. Practicing what you preach!!!! Capturing students' interest so they will learn the subject matter instead of just regurgitating memorized material. And the ability to address classroom diciplinary issues with firm consistency.
Pascale,
Good definition for all of us to follow. This is what makes up being a good educator is all about.
Gary
In my opinion, instructional professionalism refers to how well you are prepared to present your material to the class and to make sure that everyone is comfortable to what is being covered.
I would define this as projecting a positive image to the students. When presenting the information give the students your full attention, answer questions with more questions to evoke a response not only from the sender but from the whole class. Give the students not only your practical experiences out in the field but relate those experiences to the classroom. Give them the time to realize that you were once where they are now.
