Hi Joseph,
This response is nothing but the truth. We should be the professional that we want our students to become. Continue to be a strong leader.
Patricia Scales
Hi Kathleen,
You are a super role model and a very fair instructor! Continue to lead by example!
Patricia Scales
It starts with a clear and detailed syllabus. I tell my students that the syllabus is a contract that holds us both to certain expectations and rights. Additionally, I am never late. Being late is an instant signal, warranted or not, that you do not take that scheduled time seriously. Finally, immediate feedback on student work is critical. Students need feedback on all work, and especially exams, as quickly as possible.
DECEMBER 21, 2011
Specifically with career colleges, Instructor image is everything. As stated in this course, you set an image from the first moment you walk into your classroom and meet your students for the first time.
Also stated in this course, some of the students may have already been informed of the type of Instructor that you are. You will not know if it is positive or negative right away. Therefore, take the opportunity to make a positive impression daily.
Remember the old adage, 'Children live what they learn.' That applies here as well. If you are 'that Instructor' that dresses slovenly, constantly complains, is aloof, has no control over the class, is unprepared and/or comes across as anything else other than an expert in your field.....a lot of the students will become carbon copies of you.
Self check.......do the old corny thing where you stand in front of a mirror and ask the question, "Could anyone accuse me of being a professional ( fill in the blank )with what they see?".
JFO
I try to create a positive instructor image by dressing professionally, addressing students by their first names, citing my professional background (to establish content credibility), giving students specific rubrics that will help them assess their own work, following the syllabus we discussed in the first class meeting(so there are no surprises) and by responding to student questions, suggestions and concerns (so they know I am listening and respecting their ideas, even if I decide not to implement them).
Definitely dress has a lot to do with it. And I work in the Fashion Dept so it goes double for me! I have to be professional AND fashionable if my fashion students are going to take me seriously! That's a lot of stress sometimes!
But beyond that, comportment: eye contact, posture, smiling, speaking clearly and enthusiastically, talking about your qualifications (in brief) all set you up to have a good start with your class.
At the risk of being repetitive, definitely attitude. If I come in and act like I know what I'm about on the first night, the whole term works out well. I always promise my students that I will know their names by the third class. If the class is large and mostly new to me, I go around the room and ask them for their name and the best book they ever read. This tells me something about them that I can connect with their name, and as a bonus, I get to add a bunch of new books to my list of things to read!
I think the most important thing an instructor can do is to be prepared for the class.
This means that the materials are ready, that the plan is set and that the objectives are laid out.
Once the students see that the instructor is prepared, then they will understand that they need to do their part too. No excuses.
I also believe that the enthusiasm of the instructor regarding the subject is critical too.
I feel that the instructor’s image begins the first day of class. We as instructors should always carry ourselves in a positive & professional manner. After all this is what we are instilling in our students. We can do this by making sure that we are dressed professionally, well prepared for class as well as having other activities for the students in case the scheduled lesson has been completed early. It is also or job to make sure that we create a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.
Hi Suzanna,
You are certainly positive, and I am sure this positivity rubs off to your students. Continue to lead by example.
Patricia Scales
Hi Justin,
I agree! Honesty is the best policy when you do not know the answer. Let the students know that you do not know the answer, but you will find out, and at the next class meeting share the response.
Patricia Scales
I bring a positive "can do" attitude to the classroom. I dress professionally and I give them a quick bio on my career experience. I also take the time to express to them how awesome a field that have chosen and how glad I am to be helping them make that transition.
Be honest with your students. If you don't know the answer to a question. Tell them that you don't know but you will find out and follow up with them. This will also gain credibility with any answer you give in the future.
Hi Gary,
Students like to hear our stories as they apply to the real world. Students need to know that challenges can and will take place in the real world as well.
Patricia Scales
On the first day of class, I introduce myself to the class, giving them a brief biography of the positions I have held in the "real world" and some of the experiences I have encountered in each. For example, in business classes, I discuss the various businesses I have started and owned, including some of the challenges I have faced and what I did to overcome them.
Hi Richard,
I understand, it goes back to not what you say, but how you say it. Continue to present everything in a positive light.
Patricia Scales
Hi Arvice,
I agree! We must lead by example and be the professional that we want our students to become.
Patricia Scales
Hi Janean,
I love your perspective. I can tell you are a true professional. Continue to strive for excellence.
Patricia Scales
A few years ago I had a student make an interesting observation about my teaching style that made me laugh but gave me food for thought. After assigning homework one night, this student blurted out, "You assign a lot of work, but you say it in such a nice way, we can't get mad at you." I think I said something to the effect that I assign work so that they can improve their writing skills, so I have no reason to assign anything with a negative tone. I have tried to continue to do this with every class I teach since that night.
Having a good and professional attitude will make your day much easier in the class room. Appearance, attitude and body language tells it all. In order to maintain a healthy and educational environment, we as instructors must be good example for our students and peers.
