We were uniforms at our school. One way that I maintain a professional image is ensuring that I am setting the example by being in complete uniform at all times. Another is by maintaining a high level of professionalism at all times in the kitchen.
Hi Chris,
What kind of blurred line have you witnessed?
Patricia
Hi Caren,
A line has to be drawn. Students must know that they have one role and one role only and that is the student's role. The instructor must know their role as well.
Patricia
Hi Robert,
How do you go about maintaining a professional image?
Patricia
It allows you, as an instructor, to maintain a respectful learning environment.
I need the students to learn the skills I am trying to teach them. If they do not respect me as an instructor then they are less likely to listen to me. If I allow them to come too close then they will not respect me as their professional instructor. And that makes managing the class much more challenging.
Having a blurred line can have the effect of students thinking that they can get over.
Hi Horace,
You are right! How do you go about maintaining a professional image?
Paticia
Hi Daryl,
How do you go about maintaining a professional image?
Patricia
Hi Tom,
Students learn professional behavior from the instructors. We are some of our students greatest role model.
Patricia
Hi John,
The instructor should behave professionally at all times. You are right, professionalism makes a distinction between the instructor and the student. The students learn professional behavior from the instructor.
Patricia
It helps to delineate the difference between the Instructor being in charge of the class. It is also essential for professionalism so that it does not appear that the Instructor is "playing favorites" or has any biases in the class amongst students. John Eliassen
It gives the students a clear image of what you are looking for in an employee. They should strive to be more like the instructor in the way they carry themselves and conduct their professional life.
Well...... "Familiarity breeds contempt" is a good way to approach this situation. Many students will also try to take advantage of an instructor that allows this type of environment to take place.
Hi Bruno,
Certainly! Students should respect their peers as well as their instructors. Respect is something that is earned not demanded. Instructors should also respect their students.
Patricia
A professional image as an instructor enables classroom organization and management, helps students feel confident, and motivates them to be as professional in their roles as students. Image should be at an appropriate distance so students can evaluate and emulate but also appreciate you as an instructor and person.
When students see you as a buddy, some of them will try to manipulate a better grade from you. Then they are offended when the grade they earned is not the one they hoped you would give them. They can feel betrayed and lose their trust in you...it is just bad news. Professionalism should be maintained to eliminate the possiblities of bias.
It is very important make students understand that part of been in class is to be respectful to all the teachers and classmates.
Hi Carmen,
Absolutely! We must pratice what we preach! Lead by example! Do as I do!
Patricia
^-) I agree with the previous replies. As an instructor it is important to mantain a professional image, our students are looking at us as role models. We need to behave accordingly because they will image our behavior. If we said no phones or chewing gum in class, we should be an example.
