To create a positive instructor image, an instructor can incorporate several techniques. Students will form an initial impression of us just as we do of them, so physical appearance---what they see when they first step into the classroom and before the instructor even speaks---helps create a positive image.
As instructors, we are role models in our appearance as well as our behavior and expertise. We create a positive image in our soft skills as well as our professional, hard skills. So, our appearance as well-groomed professionals is important if we are to convey that message to our students and to prepare them for actual field experience. We should "talk the talk and walk the walk"; dressing appropriately speaks volumes when you expect the students to embrace a professional dress code.
Second, our presentation helps create a positive image. Our tone, level of enthusiasm, eye contact, and general ability to communicate with our students helps to draw them to us as educators and create a positive image.
Our ability to convey our level of expertise is another way to create a positive image. I find that students rarely ask about how long I've been teaching; they are much more interested in the practical aspect of the program and what they can expect when they begin their externships in Dental Assisting. Being able to address their questions about the field and share real-life situations from my experiences has definitely been a factor in developing a positive instructor image.
An instructor creates a positive image by dressing professional, being prepared for class, being organized, returning graded work to students quickly, and beina accessible to the students. You have to have to let the students know that you are a master of your subject content and that you are going to help them to become masters of it also.
Hi Felicia,
Continue to be the professional that you want your students to become.
Patricia Scales
I arrive to class on time. I am dress in uniform that is ironed and clean. This give the students an example of how you should come to work...on time and prepared to work.
Hi Renee,
Nicely stated! We must be the professional that we want our students to become.
Patricia Scales
In life, we learn by example and setting a positive example in the classroom is the first step to earning respect and managing the class. As an instructor, it is important to show respect in order to gain it. We must be approachable and professional in how we speak to the students, how we dress and how we manage the class. I find that humor is a great way to "break the ice" that exists on the first day of class. It relieves tension and puts everyone at a comfort level that will make the class run smoothly and hopefully without resistance or challenges. As instructors, we are not in the class to make friends, but making yourself friendly, meaning approachable, can be as much a motivator as the subject matter itself! When students are comfortable with you as an instructor and the instructor delivers the class professionally it helps them learn how to conduct themselves once out in the real world.
Hi Jamie,
I agree! The instructor sets the tone for the class, either good or bad. Hopefully good, where the class is very lively and energetic.
Patricia Scales
Peggy,
Absolutely! It is amazing what I have learned from my students over the 23 years I have been teaching. They can certainly make you stronger when it comes to your subject matter, and they can REALLY teach you a lot about survival. I get great fashion tips from them as well, on a lighter note!
Patricia Scales
always walking into class with a positive attitude will always give you a leg up in class. The way you come into class will determine how the class is going to run. If you walk into class with all your own problems weighing you down it will be hard to get true class participation and respect for the day.
Be professional in your dress, speech and actions. Show general interest in your students and the subjects you teach. Remain open to learning new things from the students, it can happen.
I believe appearance is the very first thing students notice. Before the instructor even speaks, the students notice if the instructor displays a professional appearance. The second thing is a positive, upbeat attitude. It is impossible to expect the students to be positive if the instructor is not.
Look like one.
Convey your experiences in your field.
Let the class know that you hope that they will do the same in their careers.
Be organized and stick to the procedures established for the course.
Len Guendoo
I believe your image as an instructor should reflect what you would expect from your students. They look to you for not only knowledge, but also to serve as an example of the industry they are striving to be a part of. Your demeanor, actions and attitude all play a role in how they perceive you and the industry they are attempting to be a part of.
Hi Martin,
Everyone loves an approachable/personable instructor. Continue to keep an open line of communciation with your students.
Patricia Scales
You can approch me. If ou have a problem lets dicuss it. My students have the upmost respect for me because of this.
Being on time, dress accordingly, speaking to the students and not at them, all set the stage for showing professionalism.
I am a massage therapist instructor, to create a positive instructor image, I always wear my scrubs that I use in massage, I am in class early, with my class information prepared for the day so that when my students walk into class, I am ready to teach instead of fumbling through my folder, looking for handouts, etc... I also take the time to think of situations that have happened to me in there field, so that the lessons can be perceived as situations that they can learn from. I also keep the energy of the classroom energetic and exciting for my students.
Don't predispose your students to fail. Be inviting and understanding that they are students. Try to get to know your students by name .
Maintain your professionalism in every situation, dress code, we enforce dress code for students, we should adhere to ours as well, staying focused and not sharing too much personal info with students, maintain boundaries.
Hi Cynthia,
You are definitley on point! It should be obvious in the room who the teacher is. We need to make a daily impression as professionals to our students.
Patricia Scales
