Hi Marion,
Absolutely! We all have/had our struggles and because of them we are a lot smarter, wiser, and like you mentioned stronger. No pain, no gain!
Patricia
I have a story I share with my students about a time I strugeld when I was in college and how I over came it. I dont mind sharing the story if it helps them. Everyone gose threw a difficult time, sharing my story helps them understand other people have problems to and tehy can over come it and they will be a stronger person because of it.
Be early to class - Have activities (handouts, lecture notes, tests, etc.)ready - Look the part (dress professionally) - Act the part (confident, professional and secure) - Be respectful!
Hi Brenda,
You were taught correctly. Make a presence that is firm, yet friendly on the first day. You never get another shot at making a first impression.
Patricia
Hi Marion,
You are so right! At my institution instructors are held to a higher standard of rules that MUST be followed or else... I strongly believe in leading by example.
Patricia
Hi Ranee,
I like your down-to-earthness. I feel the same way. We are truly no better than our students, we should never make them feel like we are better than them. Students respect you more and like you when you do not think you are better than they are. We are all people, we all have just chosen to go down different paths in life.
Patricia
I let my class know at one time in my life I was in their show. I teach at the same school I graduated from. I do not say when I graduated. I also talk about my work experiance, this set the tone that I am here for a reason. But It also let them know that I can relate to what they are going through. I have had a career, family and went to school. This shows it can be done. I let each and every student know that I believe in them and I am here for their success. I teach on-line, so I also post my phone #, because I believe that problems and questions come up outside of my live chats or my offices hours. I believe in an open door policy. It show I care and am here for their success. I also lay the ground work of my expectations and how I will grade them in the first to classes.
Bryant Neal
Making the students feel like it is all about them and not about you, the instructor, makes them more receptive to listening and learning because they know that your intentions are to help them get the education and training that they deserve.
As I was taught years ago the first impression is the last impression . I feel if the students start outseeing that you are not organized they will not set their class goal too high.
I make sure that on that first day of class, I am prepared. I know the names of my students and I ask them to tell me about themselves as I call their names. This way I am putting names to faces and voices. I am fortunate because I do have many years working in the field that I teach and have a pretty significant title so respect tends to be given almost immediately. I enjoy telling stories of my early career and the many mistakes I made. Making them feel as if anyone can succeed gives them more motivation and reinforces their desire to continue in my class.
One thing I like to do is let the student know that I am no different from them I just have a little more knowledge that i"m going to share with them.
Giving a postitve image is important. As an instuctor you also need to lead by example. For example the instuctor needs to follow the dress code as well.You cant exspect to lead by example if you dont follow the same set of rules.
I believe what I was taught years ago in medical assisting school; A first Impression is a Last Impression. I feel if you lose their respect in the beginning ,you will struggle to regain it.
Hi Lenore,
My instructors are held to higher standards than the students. If students are expected to abide by rules, policies and procedures, the instructors MUST abide by them as well or else...
Patricia
Many teachers seem to feel that they are not included in the school's policies. Things like being in the classroom 10 minutes early,returning from break on time, wearing a name tag, keeping to the dress code, keeping their word, being consistent with the students in consequences for infraction of policies all contribute to the student's respect of the teacher. Respect has to be earned.
Hi Tula,
You know what it takes to be a true medical professional. Thanks for making students the very best that they can be.
Patricia
How I conduct myself in class and outside of class matters and sets my image with the students. My vocabulary and word choices with students and other instructors as well as my demeanor during class also impacts my image with the students.
I want my students to see me as a role model and my professional behavior in class models appropriate behavior as well as providing solid instruction.
Hi Jesse,
I can tell you are a true professional based on your response. You truly exemplify professionalism in every way. Our students need more role models like you.
Patricia
I have found that by giving respect, I in turn receive respect from the students. I teach in the sciences so I also dress professional so that students perceive me as a professional in the field. Even on HOT days I will wear a lab coat, tie, identification badge, it makes me look very official. Students then know that you are serious about your subject matter and pride in your institution. I also try very hard to not get personal with the students. They try to sometimes ask questions to reveal aspects of your personal life, but I try to be aware of that and divert the discussion to subject matter. This lets the students know that I am there to help with their gaining knowledge and not my socializing skill.
The steps I take to create a positive instructor image is to be prepared. I make every attempt to ensure my paperwork to the students, powerpoints, and anything I hand out is looked over mulitple times. I also inform my students of my role within the hospital and how we will apply that to our classroom. I do that since I am preparing them for work in the hospital.
