Being an instructor is more than just about teaching. As a instuctor, you set the tone and provide the example of the expectation for you student as a professional. This means we must lead by example. As a professional in the field, our personal and formal experiences and knowledge add value in preparing our students for the real world. It also can help with transfer of learning to assist students with better understanding and retaining the course material that is being taught. When we incorporate these things within the learning enviroment, it helps us to build rapport with our students which in return increases engagement and student retention.
From this module, I have learned how important it is to model the behavior and attitudes I want to see in my students. As an instructor, my actions set the tone for the classroom, so it is essential to be professional, respectful, and consistent in everything I do. I also learned that creating a positive and supportive learning environment begins with clear expectations and strong communication. Moving forward, I intend to apply these lessons by being more intentional about how I interact with students, providing meaningful feedback, and demonstrating the professionalism I expect from them. By leading by example, I can help students feel more confident, engaged, and motivated to succeed.
The section that really stood out to me was the video that highlighted the need to love the content you are teaching. The contagious nature of that energy and how it is a proven method to foster student engagement.
What I learned from this module is that I can be an expert in my field, but I don't need to tell the students this. My actions as an instructor should speak louder than my words. Also, it's important to be enthusiastic about what I am teaching because enthusiasm can be shared with my students. Enthusiasm will help create an environment of learning. Which brings me to another point, although I'm considered an expert in my field, I need to be aware that I can be incorrect. Something that I learned early on in my life, and substantiated by this course, is to have the ability to admit when I'm wrong. Confidence does not equal to arrogance, but we all can practice humility, which assists in establishing our humanity--and because we are human, we don't always get it right. This not only will allow me to be approachable to my students but also create a sphere of influence that leads to better learning for my students.
This topic has brought to light how important it is to bring the right energy into the room. This energy includes knowledge of the content, knowledge of your role as a teacher, role model, manager, and a motivator. When students can see the confidence and competence in these areas, they tend to seek the same order.
Know myself and my student. Stay up to date my material and be flexible
Comment on james criniti's post: If you meet someone who knows everything "run" my instructor taught me that
Comment on Nancy Reeve's post: Every new skill is a favorite, got it
Comment on Alycia White's post: Nailed it, I agree
Comment on Fanak Fahimi's post: I'm not the smartest in the class even if I have the most info someone is going to be smarter than me. Sometimes I may have to change my plan for the day and that's okay, tomorrow it will probably work better if I'm flexible.
I plan to stay up to date on my topics and to understand my students better
I intend on being more than prepared. Dressing in a professional manner. I also plan on preparing my lessons ahead of time and practicing them. I also like the idea of asking other instructors for feedback back and inspiration. I like the idea of being in class 10 minutes prior to class starting just to engage with the students and get them ready for lecture.
Instructing in a professional manner has many aspects from: methodology of presenting your curriculum, professional attire and cleanliness, attitude and voice in which you speak to your students, and how and when to discipline students from grades to attendance.
Effective teaching is about more than just presenting information well. You also need to model the type of person you want your students to see. Be professional at all times.
And never forget the value of preparation: Purposeful prior planning prevents poor performance.
I feel like I am constantly trying to weight professionalism against authenticity. I understand that the two are not mutually exclusive, but they do occasionally collide. Especially when I think that I should not say what I'm thinking in the moment.
What I have gathered from is lesson, Teaching is about more than just presenting information but doing so in a way that is engaging for the student. Be professional at all times.
Having a lesson plan is important to help outline the day. Also having planned learning activities. It helps to increase student engagement.
being professional in the classroom should be consistent. students can recognize forced behavior. we as instructors should be an example for our students to reflect us in the workplace.
Reflecting on this module I learned a few things but something I recall most is professional and personal competence. When I first think about the personal and professional aspects about myself I assume that it would be two different versions. My personal competencies and personal competencies are a reflection of one another. Being professional means being on time, looking well put together, and being prepared. It is my personal responsibility to always keep developing this skills to not only be a better version of myself but to better support students and their success.
