Hi William,
You have it! I love your perspective! You have a great balance I am sure with your students with being personable and professional.
Patricia Scales
Steps that can be taken to create a positive instructor image start with student centered thinking, considering the population of that class ans their learning needs and styles. Establishing trust and consistently following up on what was promised is important, as well as admitting you are not sure about a student question and then helping the class or student find the answer. Students will consider an instructor competent when they feel they are learning and progressing. Developing a variety of instructional activities to deliver required content helps all student to be successful.
Being on time for class, having a professional appearance, a willingness to help individual students grasp the subject matter, having experience in the field related to the topic of discussion. These things are all part of creating a positive instructor image.
Several ways to create a positive image is to create a friendly but professional relationship with your students. Also let them know from day one of class what is and is not allowed. It is also importants that all the instucters have and enforce the same rules.
Being able to admit when you don't know an answer to a question a student asked. Let the students know you are human, like everyone else and don't know everything. Make it an activity to find the answer.
Hi Bruce,
Yes, professionalism definitely starts with the instructor. Students watch our every move. As an instructor, we have to always be on our "A" game.
Patricia Scales
You must appear and act as a professional individual. You must be consistent, fair and have clear expectations for student learning.
I use "real life" experiences I gained through my career as a correctional worker in class. I also dress professionally for each class.
To create a positive instructor image would come from exhibiting fairness, consistency, and dedication in the classroom. It is also important to uphold the standards of dress, attitude, and professionalism in leading by example.
I encourage them everyday by telling my experiences and that with hard work and great attitude they will succeed.
I tell my students when they go to the hospital if they have a preceptor that is not the nicest person to them I tell them that we don't know whats going on in there life and for my students to get the best experience possible.
I always start with my experience relevant to the subject I may be teaching in that term. Once I have established my knowledeg to the students, I try and associate my knowledge to something they already know and present them with potential experiences and how to handle them in their professional future.
By being confident and knowing your material. Never come to class unprepared.
I create a positive instructor image by conveying confidence, euthusium and always being prepared. Although there have been times when I don't know thw answers, so we look up the answers together.
Hi Linda,
Yes! No one knows it all! You told your students exactly right! You are so valuable to your students because you can share with your students exactly how things are in the real world. Experience truly is the best teacher!
Patricia Scales
I have been teaching dental assisting for almost 5 years now. Coming from a clinical setting it was very difficult to change my thinking from taking care of a patient to teach a student all the knowledge they need to succeed in the business. I think the most valuable tool I have learned is admitting to my students I don't know everything they need to know but I have told them if I don't know the answer I will look it up and find it for them. This has shown my students that I am human like them and I will take the time to valiadate their questions they ask of me.
The best thing to do is prepare for more time than actually needed; be always professional in appearance and performance; highlight expertise in order to make students feel secure that you have what it takes to help them be successful in their careers. You must establish a rapport with students without trying to become an equal. An instructor is not an equal, he or she must be someone they want to emulate to be successful.
I always come to class dressed professionally while some instructors wear 'scrubs' just like the students. I believe in order to set the tone of respect, an instructor should dress appropriately.
Hi Joseph,
Yes, you have it! Preparation is a must. Your confidence is much higher when you are prepared. No one knows it all. When you do not know, admit it, and move on. Find the answer and share once answer is known.
Patricia Scales
Have a plan in place before the start of class. Having everything that will be needed for classroom demostrations. If a question is asked and you do not know the answer tell the student you will find the answer and make sure you get back to them.
