Walk the walk, not just talk the talk. Having a professional development plan that one can easily follow is imperative. I know that I may be a SME in my field, but teaching is an evolving craft. The better I understand how to dialog with my students, the more they will be excited about moving forward in the field. I once had a culinary student who resisted taking a basic psychology course. I questioned him on the psychology of menus. Some are on the wall, some are paper, others are leather bound. The student then began to realize how important using psychology was to menu presentation.
If you expect professionalism from your students, you must demonstrate professionalism yourself.
What I learned is that listening and learning from seasoned peers is a great resource. I also learned that there is always someone in the class who maybe smarter than myself. Lastly, I learned to know who and what I bring to the class as the Educator, and that at the end of the day, I am the expert with the education, experience, and capability of leading the classroom.
In this lesson I learned the importance of self-development as an instructor, to try to be a model for the students, and the importance of motivating students and ways to do so.
Being an instructor does not make me the smartest person in my class.
Know the subject and be passionate about your subject to keep the students engaged. Do not try to be the "smartest" in the class. In addition, do not become a "pal" or "babysitter".
Model, Motivate and manage. Really take the time to be prepared before hand as that falls into professionalism. Take time to know yourself, your past, your students and your institution
Impressionable minds are looking to you to set the example, so be a good one!
Lead by example, if the students copy what the instructor is wearing, doing, and making, they will do well.
Always talk with the veteran instructors, for a possible different point of view, or solution to a problem
Be a good example and role model to students.
As an allied health instructor I display a positive attitude and appearance to my colleagues and students, along with being prepared for class. However, I can make a better effort at greeting the students as they enter the classroom.
It is essential to lead by example
I believe "knowing my" past, school, students,... myself is very important in teaching and influencing others. All instructors have once been a learner/student and ought to remember what it is to be like a learner. This lesson helped me to think about becoming the instructor that I once had, or wish I had, learned the most from.
One component that is imperative is to always exemplify yourself as a professional.
Do not enable them by being too personal.
I love the idea that just because you are the instructor, you can't assume that you are the smartest person in the room.
I have learned that the motivation from the instructor brings out great expectations from the student.
Set the example for the students to follow.
