We really push professionalism where I teach. The students are required to meet our dress code and receive Professionalism downgrades and send home for the day if they don't. Unfortunately many younger students struggle to see the value in appearance and how you present yourself. With the addiction to texting and cell phones many young people struggle just to talk to someone face to face as well. It really is sad to see.
James,
Very good, and along the way maybe a guest speaker who is professional would be of help as well.
Shelly Crider
I believe that leading by example will assist in this area initially. How you present yourself to your class will ultimately let them observe professionalism first hand. This I think could be a variety of things, from how you dress to how you speak, to being on time for class.
Ruth Ann,
I like that it is being offered at the beginning of their program!
Shelly Crider
At our school, our students take a Professional Development Class at the beginning of their course of study and they take a Career Management Class at the end. Our students also do portfolios in each class so that they are able to articulate what they have learned in each of their classes. Our students also take part in externships where they must interview before an employer and perform anywhere from 90-160 hours with that employer.I encourage my students to look upon this as a 10-12 week apprenticeship. Many do get hired by the externship site.
Jason,
Students my grumble, but in the end this really helps them!
Shelly Crider
At our school we actually hold students accountable with a professionalism grade. This grade encompasses a number of details such as: attendance, following rules, personal appearance, etc. So in conjunction with teaching professional skills and holding students accountable, the combination usually leads to a good outcome across the board. It helps prepare students in many different aspects for what's to come after post secondary school.
Wendy,
Holding students account for anything and everything is a major plus!
Shelly Crider
Anne,
We need real world in our classes! Good job!
Shelly Crider
Professional development is incorporated in all courses within our curriculum. In addition to classroom discussion, role-play, and teaching effective communication skills, we hold students accountable for their actions that could hinder employability. Holding students accountable assists tremendously in helping students identify the self-awareness component required in order to communicate effectively and professionally. It also provides opportunity to allow students to reflect on and identify what would be a more appropriate/professional response and how the outcome would differ. I have found that professional development must begin early and must be consistent throughout their matriculation in program of study.
I like to use case studies, from my students actual jobs. They discuss professional behavior they have witnessed on a current job or one that they previously held.
This brings the real world into the classroom, and students feel engaged with the objectives.
Timothy,
That is a bit hard for some students to understand, but when you back it up with your own experience...great work!
Lawrence,
How can students really learn from us if we are not organized!?
Shelly Crider
Lawrence,
Excellent response. We as instructors do need to walk our walk!
Shelly Crider
I agree,I try to make my students understand that when they go to work for a company they become an image of that company.
Modeling is first: Are you, as the instructor, showing up for your class ahead of time, prepared to proceed with that day's business? Have you prepared yourself ahead of time?
Student observe and act acoordingly: the old adage of "Do as I say, not as I do" doesn't work with today's students!
We evaluate/teach professionalism throughout the school year: proper dress, attendence, assignment completion, etc.
I think the first thing is by modeling. Are you as the instructor, in the classroom on time, prepared to proceed with the day's business? Be aware the students ALL observe and form opinions from what they see. The old adage: "Do as I say, NOT as I do" doesn't work!
We strive to emphasize professionalism throughout the school year-indeed, part of our grading is Professionalism: in dress, actions, participation, showing up for class, etc.
Mary,
Very interesting. Self-assessments are alway enlightening.
Shelly Crider
Shivani,
It is true that students see themselves and ready for the workplace.
Shelly Crider
I initiate a self-assessment survey at the beginning of class. There are class discussions on various parts of the assessment. Each student then processes the information from his/her self-assessment and utilizes it for various class projects.
