Every three weeks I get a new group of students. I start by laying out the topics that we're going to cover during class but I also spend some time telling them about my own career. I let them know about my experience in different work environments and that being well trained enabled me to find work quickley when I moved around the country. I also ask my students if they have any work experiences of their own. Often this gives us a commoon frame of refrence to draw on when talking about feild related issues.
Hi Derek,
A game plan is very important. Without a game plan there is no direction.
Patricia
A great way to create a professional image is by being organized. You never feel lower as a teacher than when you don't have all of your ducks in a row. Make sure you have a game plan before every class and let the students know that game plan at the beginning of class.
Hi Terry,
It is the job of the instructor to do all they can to get the students to a level of understanding. Image is everything, and it should be displayed on Day 1 and throughout.
Patricia
In order to create a positive image as an instructor it starts with something as simple as when you show up for class, how you are dressed, and how you address each student before the beginning of class. It is imperative to start class on time, particularly on the first day as well as being dressed professionally.
Also, having all necessary materials at the ready for when class begins will show students that you are prepared and that you will not waste their time in class.
Hi Eula,
I really like the idea of taking a picture of each student to help memorize their name. This is an excellent way to memorize students name. Students feel very important when they are known to their instructor by name.
Patricia
Hi Vicki,
It sounds like you certainly have a positive instructor image. You look and act the part. Students need someone to emulate. Thank you for being a role model.
Patricia
I agree that demonstrating a positive and receptive image from the very beginning is important. Students need to be able to respect their instrucor and feel that they are there to help them learn.
First impressions are lasting and you only have one attempt to make it a positive one. I always start my new class with a class syllabus and explain that my expectation is that I will help in a small way to mold them into an employee that I would be proud to hire in a medical practice. I also tell them a little of my background and then ask that they tell me about themselves.
If this is a large class, I carry a small printer in my van and a digital camera. I request that they allow me to take their picture so that I can spend time out of class making sure I know their name before the next class. I write their name on my print and also print a second print for the student. This has developed into a positive first meeting for me.
I agree that first impressions last. During my first class especially with new students that I have not had before, I spend a few minutes telling them a little of my background, explaining the course syllabus and that my goal is to teach them to be someone that I would hire. During this same period of time, I ask that each one of them tell me something about themselves and what they hope to obtain in my class.
If it is an extremely large class of new students I ask them if they would mind if I took a photograph of them and print it. I carry a small photo printer in my van at all times and I write the students name on the photo and also print a copy for the student. It helps me learn the names quicker and has so far developed a good first impression with the student.
I think everything presented in the course is great information. I've always strived to present not only a professional appearance but deameanor, as well, to every class. I would make a point of knowing everyone's name by the end of day one and calling them by name either in the kitchen lab or during lecture. I would briefly describe my professional background on day one, so that they did realize that I had the experience behind what I was telling them. I would go over what I expected of them from both a behavioral and scholastic standpoint.
Hi Linda,
I like it! You want your students to surpass you. This should be the mentality of all educators for their students to be better than they are.
Patricia
I let my students know that I am a great court reporter and I want to show them what that means so they can be even greater.
Self disapline, self regulation, self motivation... and above all, trust in one's self. The presentation of a relaxed and knowlegdgeable instructor holds more power in retention than that of a entertaining one.
Hi Theresa,
Students tend to become really excited, if they have somewhat of an idea as to what to expect before coming to class. There is a lot of positive buzz about my Professional Development class, and most students can not wait to take it. There can also be a flip side to buzz as well.
Patricia
That's a great idea. That way students have some idea of what to expect before coming to class.
Hi Ron,
It sounds like you are really describing yourself. These are great characteristics to have as an educator. I am sure your students enjoy having you as a positive role model.
Patricia
Hi Franz,
It is great how you have such an upbeat and positive attitude upon the initial meeting. I especially like how you motivate your students from Day 1. What a super way to start the class!
Patricia
Provide each student with the best possible instruction that we can, meet each student needs, prefesssional attire, paying equal attention to each individual student questions. Fair, consistent and dedicated.
Hi Todd,
You certainly lead by example. We must be the example we want our students to follow. I am sure whenever a student's uniform is wrinkled or unclean, you bring this to their attention.
Patricia
