TEACHING STUDENTS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PROFESSIONALISM

JOSIE R. MANGIO

In my teaching career, I find myself lamenting that I still have to remind students to arrive on time, bring the proper materials, and pay attention to lectures. Despite admonition the students still use cellphones, do the bare minimum to pass an assignment, and struggle with constructive criticism.

I often worry, how will they ever succeed in a professional workplace with these behaviors?

Bringing professionalism into the classroom in an explicit way can remedy many of those student behaviors.

I explain why professionalism is very in the classroom setting and point out that the behaviors and attitudes that make one a successful student (commitment to excellence, comportment, integrity, etc.) will translate well to the workplace.

The classroom can, and should, be a training ground for students as they prepare to enter the professional workforce.

Accordingly, these behaviors and attitudes are derived from quality teaching and professionalism initiative and are commitment to excellence, honesty and integrity, expertise, humility, respect, compassion, awareness of interpersonal boundaries, and comportment.

I also include a list of specific behaviors associated with each professional value. For instance, texting during class demonstrates a lack of respect to fellow students and teacher as well.

“Discuss the professional habits, attitudes, and behaviors that you feel you did NOT exhibit or that you could have improved upon in this class,” and “Discuss the skills and attitudes you have gained in this class that can be used to achieve academic and professional success.”

This approach often results in students taking more responsibility for their academic performance rather than blaming anyone. According to student feedback, the focus on professionalism helps them see their classroom experiences as preparation for the “real” world.

We do not have to dismiss inappropriate behavior as a sign of youthful immaturity or let it exasperate us.

We can instead help students develop the skills, attitudes, and behaviors they need to chart successful courses as students and soon-to-be professionals.

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The author is Teacher II at San Jose Juliana Elementary School, Division of City of San Fernando (P)