I try to maintain a positive image by having a clear, simple syllabus and then following it as closely as possible. I always try to look and act the way I would want my instructors to look and behave. When I make a mistake or do not know an answer I tell them, rather than get defensive or make something up. I also make rules and stick by them, but also allowing for unexpected extreme situations.
Hi Douglas,
It is always good to let students know that you are approachable based on your actions and words so that they are comfortable coming to you for help.
Patricia
Hi JoAnne,
Wow, it sounds like you are such a true professional. Thank you for being such a super role model for students. Our students really need people that are around them daily to look up to.
Patricia
Hi Danni,
One way to get volunteers is to have a participation grade included on your syllabus.
Patricia
When I assign writing activities in my English class I always do them along with my students. Then when the time come to share, if no one volunteers I usually share my own writing. This usually helps them become more at ease with sharing their own writing and hopefully makes both me and writing seem more accessible.
You should be organized, prepared and establish a routine, method of class procedure and clear expectations from the first day. Presenting yourself as the consummate prfessional at all times, referring to your experience in the field as appropriate, and showing students that you really care about their success in this class and in their future is very important. Create a solid connection with your students.
Act profesionally from the first monent you walk into class. If students respect you they will trust you. You should look like an instructor and act like an instrutor. Think of some of your favorite teachers and how they acted.
You were probably very impressed from day one and knew this class could be worthwhile.
You can establish credibility by explaining why you are qualified to teach.
You can establish respectibility by being an adult and showing adult behavior.
You can show enthusiasm by your willingness to work with and for your students
Know your students names. Be sure to have the information for teaching your class ready. Take time to talk to each student and give good examples of what the problem might be and how your example can help. Be open it your class so they understand you are there to help them with there class room problems. Enjoy the class and be available to each student who needs your time
I find the following to be effective in creating a positive instructor image: demonstrate that I care for and respect my students by being prepared, returning assignments promptly, learning all students' names on the first day of class, making time for one-on-one consultations as needed and appropriate, admitting I don't know something, using a variety of approaches, being organized, being clear on expectations from the very beginning of the course, and providing all the materials and tools needed for students to be successful.
Hi Victoria,
I like your outlook based on a positive instructor image. I can tell you are a super role model for your students. Thanks for being a great leader/educator.
Patricia
One way of having a positive instructor image is to go in the class with a clear head, a smile, get to know each student proffesionally and have the positive instructor image in your head constantly. You need to tell yourself you are the instructor, these are your students and you are here to teach them, and help these students suceed. victoria
Hi Kathy,
You are right! It also exemplifies what professionalism is all about outside of the classroom.
Patricia
Hi Carrie,
Students are motivated and more interested once they find out the instructor's credentials.
Patricia
Hi Doris,
These are certainly winning ways to present yourself professionally. Students need to and want to know that you truly care about them and their success.
Patricia
Introduce yourself as a professional with experience in the field you are teaching. Let your students know that you are fair, impartial, care about them as individuals, and want to help them succeed in the class.
I believe that you can create a positive instructor image by expressing to the students your credentials but at the same time, acknowledging theirs as well. Often we get the idea of "checking at the door" what they know and only take what we will give them as "gospel." It is important to establish a rapport with the students and also showing that you care.
Creating a positive instructor image is very important. It sets the tone for the success of your instruction as well as gives you the opportunity to show your students what professionalim entails in the classroom.
Hi Jeffrey,
Great response! Students expect a lot from us professionlly.
Patricia
Students are investing their time and energy to be taught by a professional. Therefore, they have a right to expect that they are being taught by somebody who looks, acts and teaches like a professional.
To create a positive instructor image you must practice what you preach, be on time, be prepared, follow dress code, don't gossip, follow the rules and regulations set forth by the school or department, and be professional.
