Hi Susan,
That's right. The classroom is no place for the instructor to discuss their personal life. Strictly business should be taken place in the classroom.
Patricia Scales
It's vital that an instructor look and act like a professional. It's also important to avoid some of the common instructor mistakes mentioned in the training, such as making statements like "This is the first time I've ever taught this class." I also work hard to keep my personal issues out of the classroom.
Hi Peter,
As instructors we should always be neat in appearance. Our students emulate us in every way.
Patricia Scales
I had a boss once that would claim I was looking like a hippie when ever my hair started covering the tops of my ears. If you have to be neat in the restaurant then I have to be neat in the classroom too.
Attitude is the key...If you have a negative attitude about how you will do as an instructor, you probably will not do well in the classroom. You need to stay positive and bring real life experience into the classroom in an educational setting to help the future of the workforce. This not only will make you feel better, but it will make your students want to have you as an instructor, "because you know your stuff"
Since I am a new instructor I have made several notes as to ways I can create a positive image of myself to my students. I will be teaching in a clinic environment which will be helpful because I have 30 years of clinical experience in my field.
*I wear a professional uniform with a white lab jacket. Instructors wear a different color scrub uniform than the students.
*I have an enormous amount of clinical experiene that I can share as I rotate through the clinic and work in a "hands-on" patient situations.
*I have the clinic syllabus that I read thoroughly prior to each clinic session so I know exactly what the students are expected to accomplish.
*I review all evaluation criteria in detail so I am prepared to make accurate and fair evaluations.
*I am excited to be starting a career in teaaching and I think my students can feel that emotion.
Lori
Hi Peter,
I am always bothered by those instructors who do not care anything about their appearance. When you look good, you feel good. I get up plenty early enough to much sure I am well put together. Students judge our appearance.
Patricia
Students tend to show more respect for instructors that look "Fresh" than those who look and often smell like they slept in the clothes they have on.
Hi Therese,
I concur! Instructors must show in their actions that they are the one in the classroom with all the authority.
Patricia
This is well stated. But, an instructor must also maintain an attitude that exhibits that they are a figure of authority. This is an understated ability (not heavyhanded) to show that the instructor is entitled to student attention. Intelligent responses to student questions is one factor.
Starting the first day, after everyone introduces themselves and gives a brief history, I do the same. I go over my work history, and why I am here teaching. I let them know even though we work for a hospital, that we are there for the patients.
I also let them know that I am not perfect, that I can make mistakes, and if I do let me know so that I can fix the mistake so not to make it again. I let them know that they can always come to me and I will do what I can to help them. If they ask a question that I can't answer, I will tell them that I don't have an answer, but I will get it and get back to them and then do it. If they do something incorrectly, I will show them what they did wrong and how to fix it. I try to do this in a positive way as not to discourage them. I tell them that this is where mistakes should be made so that when they go out that they can remember this mistake and not make it again. I also let them know that there are no new mistakes out there for them to make. They have all been made many times over, and that I have probably made most of them.
Hi Christopher,
Super way to model! You have to let your students know that you do not play, but you are consistent with all with rules, policies, and procedures.
Patricia
I think that smiling, eye contact, positive reinforcement and a commitment to quality education in the classroom will help create a positive impression on the students... and when that is the case, word gets around. Demonstrating respect for the students, and the quality of their classroom environment, is the ultimate way to promote a positive instructor image.
Firm but Fair is the most common comment made about me and my style. I am clear in my requirements and reenforce it in my actions.
Hi William,
What a thorough agenda for Day 1. You give your students exactly what they need. Continue to be an effective educator so that a difference is made in the world!
Patricia
I believe the best way to create a positive instructor image is to be professional in every sense of the word. First, professional in appearance, second, professional in the classroom, and third professional on the job. The instructor should dress appropriately, always be prepared for class, show up on time, and conduct herself professionally in the classroom. One way to demonstrate professionalism is to be conscious of good communication skills, both written and verbal. Avoidance of 'special' relationships with students is a must. Another way to be sure to be professional in the classroom is to treat each student equal. Thirdly, the instructor should always be professional with co-workers. This projects an image to the students when they see how their mentors treat each other.
I have a detailed agenda for conducting my first class with new students. It begins with being organized and ontime. I actually list the handouts I need to copy before class, a reminder to write my name, course and date on the board as soon as I enter, briefly talk about my professional experience, take attendance and ask the students to pronounce their names. I distribute and go over the syllabus with special emphasis on the educational objectives as an implied contract between instructor and student to teach/learn, a description of a typical routine of someone who performs the job they aspire to, my expectations of them (professional conduct and dress/professional language as the new language of their profession, class participation, danger of falling behind). Finally, I tell them a little more about the experiences I have had, that all aspects of our profession are open for discussion, and how wonderful and rewarding their chosen field can be. I have a handout listing professional organizations and tells them how to monitor the job outlook then open the floor to questions before exploring the course textbook. This is an evolving list and I hope by my presentation to engage their imagination and attention which may sound contradictory but in terms of the career they have chosen and the length of the training, I believe that both are necessary to reach the goal.
A positive instructor image can be created by impression. While dress might not seem important, it is. The instructor needs to dress professional, talk professional, and treat each and every individual in a professional manner. A good image is created by demonstrating professionalism in the classroom as well as outsid of the classroom. Students should see their instructors interacting in a positive manner with each other as will as with them.
Hi Susana,
I like your outlook as it pertains to a positive instructor image. I can tell you practice what you preach. Continue to be an excellent role model!
Patricia
Hi Reagan,
Great behavior to model to students. We as instructors should always model professional behavior to our students.
Patricia
