Get Your Students Hired
Hi Diane,
Professionalism comes across when you communicate via computer, telephone, etc. Although you are an online instrutor, as you mentioned you make sure to communicate in a professional manner with your students.
Patricia
Looks like many in this forum teach face-to-face. As an online instructor, I need to create a positive image in a way other than dress. My approach is to provide my credentials (both career and academic) and always communicate with my students in a very professional manner. Students need to see me as a role model. Therefore, when interacting with students my conduct is always professional. One cannot lose one's temper or treat an individual disrespectfully at any time. These are methods for an online instructor to build a positive image with their students.
A positive image comes in several formats. The way one dresses, the way one speaks, being on time, being prepared not only for the scheduled lesson plan, but also for questions or concerns indirectly related to the topic at hand, being available to assist either in class, office hours or for special needs and if one doesn't have an answer (and, yes, instructors don't always have the answer)a timeframe to resolve that issue.
In regard to dress, the tie is always properly tied and the collar is closed (not unbuttoned)and sleeves are buttoned at the wrist and not rolled up past the elbows. The speech or communication with the students is on a level they can understand -- one does not "overspeak" to them. The syllabus is current and updates are posted in order that students may see where they stand. Availability, without extremes, enable the students to obtain understanding that may not have occurred during classtime.
These actions not only project but create a positive image. I've never had a student ask what name I should go by, even though they have name on the syllabus and frequently send me e-mails. It has always been Mr. Stebbins.
In return, they are addressed as "Mr. Smith, Mss Jones, etc.
That creates both a professional and positive image.
Hi Carolyn,
I like your perspective. It is obvious that we know more than our students, but we do not have to showcase that by talking down to them. Let's speak on their level, yet be professional with our grammar.
Patricia
I attempt to create a positive instructor image by consistently using proper grammar and a professional vocabulary. I don'try to "fit in" by using slang and I don't "talk down" to students by using big words. I use a substantial vocabulary and explain it as I go, to help my students expand their communication skills and learn how to discuss our industry in greater depth with other colleagues and classmates.
Hi Ernest,
Honesty is the best policy. Students can tell when you are blowing smoke, and they do not appreciate the smoke blowing. They will begin to lose respect for you if you continue to fluff things.
Patricia
Hi Susan,
A backup plan is vital. Sometimes things really do not always go as planned. As an instructor, you must be able to roll with mishaps.
Patricia
A positive instructor image has several components: professional dress and appearance (adhere to the dress code), act as a professional role model, use examples form your clinical experience(s) to illustrate key points, arrive to class early and be prepared, have extra handouts, have a plan B if you are planning to use one teaching strategy and are not able to that day (for example, you plan on using the internet and the server is down; or your powerpoint does not open).
Hi Gwen,
Students will run all over you, if you give them an inclination you are fearful. Confidence is a must.
Patricia
Spesking to the students in a manor that reflects confidence and knowledge. Dont let the students sense fear, they need to see a cofidant, knowlegable instructor.
I have found being honest with students to be one of the best ways to create a positive instructor image.
From day one, I tell them that I do not claim to know everything nor do I expect to have an answer for every question that might come my way throughout the course. I tell them that if I don't know an answer, I will tell them so and that I would never "blow smoke" at them. Instead I let them know that I will do my best to get them answers.
When I am faced with a question that I don't readily have an answer for, I remind them of what I told them on day one. If I have an answer but am not quite sure that it is 100% accurate, I will tell them so and let them know that I will double check it and get back to them during the next class.
I do the same if I happen to "draw a blank" on the answer to a question when it is posed. If the answer happens to pop into my mind later on during the class, I take a minute to revisit the question and provide them with the answer that I remembered.
I have also found that offering the questioner an opportunity to earn extra credit by researching a question, finding out the answer and presenting it to his/her classmates the next day also works out very well in that it usually provides the student with a very worthwhile educational experience/moment". The one caveat is that I also research the question to make sure that the student's answer is on track.
Knowing that my students do not expect me to have a readily available answer for every question takes a great deal of pressure off me, right off the bat.
Hi Anthony,
I can tell you work hard at being a true professional. I can also tell that you are the professional that you want your students to become. It is simple, lead by example.
Patricia
Dress the part, be timely, be organized... In other words, be professional.
You're training the students to be professionals, and nothing looks better than setting the example yourself.
When I take classes, I don't like unorganized teachers. I want to know that the person in charge of my education has a clear path in his/her mind. This will make my learning experience better.
As I prepare to stand in front of my students, I think about this, and try to strive for it.
Patricia
I feel that instructors have to dress professionally as well as act professionally in the classroom. Students want their instuctors to be not only be subject matter experts but also to present the material in ways that they (the students) can understand. Being prepared, organized as well as approachable in answering questions seems to create a more positive classroom environment for all.
Hi Rebecca,
Great response. We simply should lead by example. Topics should be kept strictly professional.
Patricia
Maintaining a professional appearance, particularly in a career college setting, is critical. These students are often coming from blue collar-type backgrounds and may not be familiar with the appropriate dress and attitude of the professional fields that they will soon be entering. It is important that they see their instructor looking and acting the part. Maintaining a professional attitude and discussion topics are also extremely important. I very rarely discuss personal issues in the classroom. I think it would damage my credibility to talk about how I was out partying last weekend or how I had a fight with my husband. That is not the side of me I want them to see or emulate.
Always smile no matter how bad your day has gone, let the student know that you are qualified to teach the course by giving examples of your experience
Dress the part. Be prepared. Treat students with respect. demonstrate knowledge in the field.
I totally agree that once you step in the classroom you must leave your personal problems outside. How can you ask or tell your students that when they go to work in their field of studies that they must leave their personal problems at home and you come to class with yours daily. That would be like saying, “do as I say, not as I do”. The students would definitely loose respect for you.