Breanna,
I like that as well. School is a work place in reality. Students are working toward a better life.
Shelly Crider
Sue,
This is such an important class. Many students think they know what they have to make it in today's work place, but then they realize what they lack.
Shelly Crider
Where I teach we expect the students to come to school/clinicals as if they were already working. We expect them to come dressed properly, act professionaly, and interact with each other and staff with respect
We have a Student Success Class for new students their first module and then we have a Career Success class before the students go out on externship. It is always amazing to see how these students have improved their professional skills from the first module to their last module. This includes their communication and listening skills and advancement in critical thinking among others.
Becki,
It does not hurt to have professionalism in every class as it is that important!
Shelly Crider
Kim,
I agree with you. At our school, we have a Student Success course which students take in their first module. It also stresses the importance of professionalism, which I will include inside and outside of the classroom. You never know who's watching! I, like you, will continuously stress communication and professionalism throughout their whole program.
Amy
At our college - we also teach a Professional and Career Development class which is excellent. However, I personally feel that it is important for me to teach professionalism in my classroom. I have found that it does not matter what course it is, professionalism can be taught. We discuss the importance of writing and speaking skills, computer literacy, how to dress and act professional, and etc. Over the years, graduates have thanked me for this additional input as it has helped them get careers and promotions.
Kandy,
I like the "strict" aspect that you endorse as many students/employees that rules do not always apply to them in some circumstances.
Shelly Crider
I am a Clinical Director & I guess this is like what I utilize too.
Once my students make it to the clinical rotation, I have very strict rules/guidelines regarding professionalism, dress attire, attendance & on-time arrival. I let them know that they are on an interview process when they are out in the clinical site so it is in their very best interest to be as professional as they can be & represent themselves & the school in a positive manner. If a student is not dressed appropriately or is unprofessional in the clinical site, they will be sent home with no grade/credit given for that day. I have had Directors at my clinical sites admit that if they see a student dressed sloppy or not taking initiative during the day, then they keep a mental note to remember so if that student applied they would less likely get the job if others have applied. Professionalism is very important, accountability is a fact. I try to prepare my students for the real world & exhibit real world "Professional" expectations in my clinical courses.
AWNI,
That sounds hard to do, but I like it!!!
Shelly Crider
Kristine,
Many students do not like role play, however, they learn so much from it!!
Shelly Crider
Martin ,
Every field should show as much professionalism as you are impressing on your students!
Shelly Crider
I am teaching college algebra at my school and 5% of the overall grade of the course is on making power point presentations on a topic of interest, pertaining to Math of course.
That way the students will have the required presentations skills needed in any work place.
When I teach the Professional Development course, we emphasize professional skills, such as resumes, cover letters and interviewing skills. At the end of the course, I role play as the HR director at the company at which the student has applied for employment. The student must treat this mock exercise as an actual interview.
When I teach courses in the legal studies area, every final project has a mock meeting with the supervising attorney where the students must present the results of their research to the attorney. This helps develop the essential oral communication skills that every paralegal must possess.
I teach auto technicians to treat the cars at our training facilities the same way they will need to treat customer's cars. Making sure that we take every precaution to not damage the vehicle that we are working on. In the automotive field I believe this is a professional skill that is very important to learn.
Craig,
I like that and I hope that some of that grade is based on their writing skills as well.
Shelly Crider
At our school the students are graded on their professionalism. We are also in constant contact with our industry partners to understand what they are looking for so that we can guide are students.
dennis,
This is true. We currently live in a society that accepts the fact that you can work one day and then ask for a day off. If you get fired, it is ok.....not professional at all.
Shelly Crider
Brandi, I also feel that this course is important for student professional growth.I just completed the course and was very impressed with the content. I plan to use the information in my classroom setting. Effective communication and critical thinking are two "soft skills" that I want to focus on. Hopefully, the students will understand the importance of developing his or her professional growth in or out of the classroom setting.
I see the same issues each day.It seems the students must be reminded daily of how to dress, how to speak to each other,( instructors and other students)and handle issues in a professional manner.In our school the students are graded on their professional conduct, which helps to reinforce developing professional skills needed for the field they are going to be working in.
