What not to do when you set out to be a role model!

By Dr. Dheeraj Mehrotra

Right from the time you enter the classroom and the time you leave the school building, students tend to observe you and emulate you wittingly or unwittingly. So, you have to look out for a few mistakes that you must avoid in order to be a model for them:

Having a negative vibe: When teachers get grumpy and give out stern directions, it puts students off. Even an ominous tone can be considered as threatening in the class.

On the contrary, if you sprinkle humor into your talk, your students will look forward to your class. Your enjoyment while teaching rubs off on students, who are then better able to recall each step along the way and eager to show you how well they can perform them.

Accepting less than what was modeled: If you model something for your students, it’s essential for you to make sure that it is performed as modeled. If ever you get into the habit of accepting less than your original expectation, then slowly you’ll lose creative control of your class. Routines in particular are the most susceptible to this gradual faltering of standards. And what makes this mistake so insidious is that sloppiness and an uncaring attitude will transfer to everything you do.

Therefore, once your students prove they can perform a routine as modeled, then that must be the expectation until the last minute of the last day of school.

Complacency: All successful teachers embrace the common and every day as well as the intellectually stimulating. Don’t just go through the motions; don’t let go when students follow instructions poorly; and don’t accept less than what you want.

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