I really liked this post. I think that professionalism should be a part of every educational class. Students need to understand that professionalism plays a very important part not only in their education, but in their careers as well. The best education will not be profitable if they have not developed their professional skills. I think it is very important for them to have role models in their instructors!
Some of our students have a tendency to think that a classroom doesn't require professionalism; "We'll act different once we start our externship." We like to stress from the beginning of the course that professionalism begins now and is reflected in evaluations.
Kai,
I completely agree! Actually, after each clinical session, I review the day with the students that were on my watch and Professionalism is the most discussed grade of the day. What I usually notice is that the students start off being professional, but they start to slide once they start feeling more comfortable with the patient. They start acting like they've known this person for years and begin incorporating slang words and their professional verbage is lost. Some of our graduates have returned to say that this has helped them tremendously. Also that they have noticed how unprofessional their coworkers and interviewers are in comparison. I think when we keep our own level of professionalism high, and require it of the students, they will automatically begin to model this behavior and take it with them out into the working world.
Freddie,
Creative thinking is a must in today's society!
Shelly Crider
EmmiE,
Yes, we have to show our own professionalism to the students!
Shelly Crider
Tammara,
Students may not think they like workshops, but they do learn a lot from them!
Shelly Crider
James,
Nice job! There are times I have to shake my head at what a customer is asking of me!
Shelly Crider
Ronald,
Students love to hear personal experience stories as the book they read is written for the picture perfect setting.
Shelly Crider
I seek to enable students to develop professional skills by creative thinking exercises. Also, I assign problem solving activities. In doing so, the students will gather in groups to discuss an issue. Then they will present the results of their discussion. I will also require students to research topics and present the information by using a powerpoint presentation.
First off being that professional yourself says a lot. In my speaking to students to students I have eye contact when it is not against anyone's religion to have so. walking around the room, so that I am touchable, reachable. Having a smile on my face to help students feel comfortable, that in my professional stance I am also approachable.
Our students take both a Career Success and Student Success class. They both cover professionalism but different aspects of it...I also schedule workshops with Career Services, so that they can have more topics discussed. This department knows firsthand what employers and interviewers will be looking for in their respective fields. This allows students to get an in-depth look and ask any questions they may have formed along the way.
I help students define their professional skills by asking questions a potential customer would ask when coming to pick up their motorcycle after a maintenance service has been completed.
The questions I asked are very challenging and demanding. The questions require the student to be confident and assuring for the customer. Once the student realize not only will they work on motorcycles, but also must be able to explain in layman terms exactly what the maintenance service is about to their future customer.
I use the power of experience...whereby I draw from my experiences to teach them the soft skills of the real world!
Rachel,
I like it! Each and every class should have the soft skills. Students will be learning even though it is not in their book!
Shelly Crider
Christopher,
Expectations need to be discussed over and over....good job!
Shelly Crider
Jose,
Thank you for being professional. So many times students do not see professionalism in society.
Shelly Crider
At our school we have "soft skills" training throughout thier entire curriculum. If instructors embrace these programs there would be better chances for student success. I love this part of my job! I make these sessions up beat and fun but with a topic at hand. Example time management, stress management, exercise, health. These are just a few we teach. If they can not manger life, how can we expect them to achieve thier career goals? Life will get in the way and they will feel helpless and perhaps give up the job.
Amy,
Along with the Student Success, we also have a Student Code of Conduct posted in every room, we also have professionalism tied into our syllabi and in some classes it is a graded component of the class.
At the Institute I instruct at a percentage of the students grade is based on their professionalism. Early in their education they are presented with the expectations the industry has set in place and how their professionalism has a major impact on their successes. As a daily reminder of those expectations, the instructors are required to "lead by example". Our words, actions, voice and appearance are to be the embodiment of a professional.
I believe one of the most important ways that we can teach professionalism is being a "professional" example in class. I conduct my class as if it were a professional office. Students must me on time, turn in assignments on time, be respectful to others and be "professional" at all times.
