ISSN: 2456–4397 RNI No.  UPBIL/2016/68067 VOL.- IX , ISSUE- VI September  - 2024
Anthology The Research

Professional Behaviour Patterns Of Teachers In Higher Education Institutes

Paper Id :  19289   Submission Date :  2024-09-19   Acceptance Date :  2024-09-22   Publication Date :  2024-09-25
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DOI:10.5281/zenodo.13989597
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Sanjiv Kumar
Assistant Professor,
B.Ed. Department
Km. Mayawati Govt Girls P.G. College, Badalpur,
Gautam Buddha Nagar ,Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract

This study investigates the professional behaviour patterns of teachers in higher education institutes in India, focusing on their Teaching Practices, Interpersonal Interactions, Career Development and administrative responsibilities. Given the rapid evolution of educational demands and institutional reforms in India, understanding these behaviour patterns is crucial for enhancing educational quality and institutional efficacy. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with faculty members across various institutions. The study identifies key behaviour patterns, including adaptive teaching methods, collaborative practices, and the impact of administrative duties on teaching effectiveness. Additionally, it explores how cultural, institutional, and policy factors influence these behaviours. The findings offer insights into the challenges faced by educators and provide recommendations for policymakers and institutional leaders to support effective teaching practices and professional development. This research contributes to the broader discourse on educational improvement and teacher efficacy in the context of Indian higher education.

Keywords Professional Behaviour Patterns, Teaching Practices, Student Outcomes, Interpersonal Relations, Ethical Conduct etc.
Introduction

Background The professional conduct of higher education teachers is largely responsible for the quality and effectiveness of their teaching practice. Professional behaviour includes moral behaviour, effective communication, continued professional development and creating a practice of supporting inclusive learning environments (Darling-Hammond). Modern higher education The ability to understand and improve on these behaviours is crucial in the ever-changing landscape of modern higher education.

We know from research that the professional image teachers generate have a strong bearing on student attainment and interest in school (Hattie, 2009). Perhaps the most critical is in higher education and research, because here not only must teachers demonstrate professional behaviour, their students will be responsible for thinking critically and developing more advanced knowledge. Good teaching practice and a strong set of ethics provides the best recipe for success in terms of positive academic culture, learning environment (Yorke, 2003).

Even though professional behaviour is crucial, nevertheless, scant literature on the above issue in comparison to developing countries survives. In India, higher education is a context of rapid access to HE with very little homogeneous student population and varied institutional standards (Agarwal; 2009). Hence, they present an interesting context for study of the manner in which professional action appears and affects quality within education.

Objective of study
The purpose of this study is to examine the professional behaviour pattern with teachers working in higher education institutes, India. Overwhelmingly qualitative, this research endeavours both to define salient professional attributes as they are realised in practice and explore what fosters or inhibits these behaviours through dynamic, it also assesses the outcomes of students' satisfaction with their learning experience. Based on previous research, (Darling-Hammond 2000; Hattie- 2009), it is clear that professional behaviour performs a key role in the context of education and this study would add in Indian perspective.
Review of Literature
This is a review based paper so there is no need to give separate Literature Review.
Main Text

Meaning of Professional Behaviour Patterns

In the context of higher education, professional behaviour patterns are characterised as systematic actions and attitudes displayed by academics within university settings that comply with norms and regulations to uphold teaching profession standards. It consistently refers to a variety of behaviours which are pertinent in teaching effectiveness, compliance and general quality learning experience. Detailed explanation of professional behaviours patterns in higher education institutions may be explained with the help of following points-

  1. Ethical Conduct, Integrity, Honesty and Confidentiality: Teachers are to be honest in all professional dealings with students, co-workers and administration. This means academic integrity, good feedback and not doing anything like falsifying or committing deception. Respect and Fairness: Professional behaviour involves treating all students and colleagues with respect, regardless of how unpalatable one may find their ideas or beliefs. That includes: without prejudice, free from bias and treating all students fairly regardless of who or what they are referring to. Confidentiality- One important element of professionalism is securing the student records and grades, and personal information. Sensitive data must be treated with caution, and teachers should follow institutional guidelines on privacy issues.
  2. Effective Communication with Clarity and Precision: Delivering information in the right way such that received message is same. Therefore, teachers should be explicit about what they expect the students to learn and how the course objectives translate into feedback on assignments. Professional behaviour emphasizes active listening to questions, concerns, and feedback from some of the students. This shows honour to their opinions and ideals which helps in meeting the requirements of users correctly. However, brief degression – Giving timely and feedback that is specific Constructive feedback plays a crucial role in student growth. Feedback is an important tool for instructors to chart students' course in learning and support efforts aimed at securing better academic outcomes.
  3. Commitment to Continuous Improvement: Never Stop Learning As a music teacher, dedicated to the craft one has to stay on top of their profession by way of continuing education as well. It also includes workshops, conferences and continuing education. Self-reflection on teaching practice, classroom interactions and student outcomes is essential to professional development. Additionally, teachers who perform reflective thinking are more successful in finding areas for improvement and implementing changes. adaptability​- Be willing to new ways of teaching, technology and educational trends as it is essential for professional manner. They are more capable of attending to the varied needs and requirements in students, and the changes resulting from industry 4.0 for tertiary education great teacher.
  4. Fostering a Positive Learning Environment: Role Modelling Professional behaviour is promoting an environment of inclusivity, a classroom where all students feel they are valued and have support. This applies to the kinds of learners, cultural backgrounds and biases as well. Support and Confidence- Teachers must provide legs of support, helping children to enhance their good things in between them. This includes, being friendly and helpful to students by providing guidance as well as acknowledging student accomplishments. Collaboration is a part of professional behaviour and involves working with colleagues e.g. co-teaching, participating in Professional Learning Communities (PLC) or contributing to institution goals.
  5. Professional Competence: Teachers should know the subjects they are teaching and be well grounded in current research related to that field of knowledge. That way, to equip themselves with proper information that they a provide to their students.
  6. Pedagogical Skills- You must have a good understanding of teaching methods to make your students learn effectively. Pro teachers are expected to use all of these techniques, devising a suitable blend of teaching methods and assessment systems that integrate quality teacher/student relationships with effective classroom management.
  7. Time Management- In addition to these patterns, professional behaviour is characterized by time management. Proper distribution of work hours and discipline also apply for classes. A teacher is punctual for classes, in grading, classroom time is respected. For example, completing administrative duties such as grading and feedback on time is also an important part of bookkeeping.

The Effect of Professional Behaviour Patterns on the Quality of Education

These ultimate behaviour developments covariate the integration of student needs. In the next part of the text will discuss the actions of the transformation of selected behaviours and the effects that they have on the  role as a teacher. Professional behaviour patterns of teachers in higher education cover a wide range of behaviours, including adherence to ethical standards, effective communication, dedication to continual improvement, creation of a supportive learning environment, and maintenance of professional competence. These patterns are critical components of education quality, as they help enhance students’ overall development and the institution’s image. To succeed in role and promote students’ academic and emotional growth, it is necessary to develop an awareness of these behaviours. On the quality of education, the expressions of professional behaviour patterns then influence student outcomes, the institution’s reputation, and the quality of education. In this section, this this section analyses their effects and consequences in greater detail, incorporating additional considerations from the literature.

  1. Impact on Student Outcomes: Professional behaviour patterns have a huge impact on student achievement and personal growth. When teachers conduct themselves ethically, offer positive responses and feedback, as well as create an inclusive atmosphere within their classroom more students are likely to be more engaged (Random Response Generator). Hattie (2009) reported that effective teacher-student interactions, a dimension of professional behaviour positively related to observable student achievement. Fairness and respect ensure that the learning atmosphere is safe, trusting as well leads to great participation of students whom also able in doing intellectual risk (Darling-Hammond, 2000).
  2. Innovative Teaching Strategies: Teachers are lifelong learners, they tend to try new teaching strategies often and stay current with the latest educational theories. This makes them more flexible to teach and reach the needs of all students. As Yorke (2003) posits, professional development and lifelong learning are essential in securing standards of teaching quality as well as ensuring that educational procedures remain meaningful today.
  3. Positive Learning Environment Development: It is a direct result of professional behaviour patterns that develop positive learning environment. These attributes are represented by teachers who show respect, build a strong sense of belonging and offer learners support in the classroom. These laboratory learning environments foster student input, collaborative work and promote development of problem-solving skills. Research conducted by Marzano (2003), for example, has found a link between positive teacher behaviour and the development of a quite-searing classroom climate that in turn will lead to improved student outcomes.
  4. Institutional Image and Integrity: The way teachers conduct themselves as professionals is an earmark of the integrity of their institutions. They also attract and keep students, faculty, families because of the higher quality teacher professionalism they exhibit. This in return boosts the reputation of that institution and makes way for better funding opportunities or partnerships. Professional behaviour in turn helps to enforce institutional policies and professional ethics, resulted in stable academic environment with reputation (Hargreaves & Fullan, 2012).
  5. Ethical standards and accountability: It is very important for professional behaviour patterns to maintain high ethical standards so as not only guarantee no academic integrity but also be accountable. Teachers who exhibit good ethics create a standard for students and staff which in turn creates trust throughout the college. The communicative turn has the long-term benefit of ensuring that research and educational practices are carried out with due ethical considerations (Campbell 2003).
  6. Continuous Learning and Innovation: If the professionals follow his patterns of professional behaviour by following lifelong learning, reflect all you teach etc., it keeps teachers motivated to continuously seek advances in their teaching methods. This in turn pushes the envelope on new and creative approaches to teaching, incorporated technology. Guskey (2002) argued that building the capacity of educators through professional development opportunities to be reflective, continuous learners is critical in supporting educational innovation and advancing teaching practice.

Professional behaviours of teachers have a long-lasting impact on the quality of education in higher educational institutions. These patterns, by promoting ethical behaviour, good communication and continuous improvement within a positive learning environment assist with advancing student outcomes; whilst also enhancing teaching effectiveness institutional reputation and educational quality. Young people often lack the appropriate developmental foundation for this type of student leadership, and developing these behaviours is simply too critical to both academic excellence in higher education as well as preparation for what many believe will be an increasingly fierce economic future.

Teaching Practice and Professional Behaviour Patterns

Research of practices learned from the field of professional behaviour provided insights on how these actions and attitudes cause a direct impact in teaching which, subsequently influences student learning results. Teaching practices are the specific ways or methods that teachers implement during their instruction to facilitate learning and student participation. This excerpt examines the importance of teaching practices as a professional behaviour exemplar and presents select studies that demonstrate these phenomena.

Teaching practices Teaching practices constitute a central domain for professional behavioural patterns and, hence they comprise the principal means by which we can observe directly whether teachers are effectively performing or not (that is their pedagogical competence) as well as set an example of flexibility in instruction; as analysts evaluate assurance with student outcome. Quality teaching practices are marked by clear instruction, engaging and inclusive classroom activities, use of formative assessments to provide data about student learning. Teachers implementing best practices in their teaching manufacture a perfect environment to foster academic and personal growth.

Key Components of Effective Teaching Practices:

  1. Clearness and Arrangements: Teachers who are able to effectively communicate what they want from their students through well-organized lessons, logically presenting material exactly where it belongs makes complex concepts easy-to-absorb for the pupils. Hattie (2009) argues that well-organised teaching contributes more to student achievement than any other factor.
  2. Educative learning: Engage students in educative learning activities such as group discussions, practical projects and cooperative problem solving which will make them to grasp more knowledge. Vygotsky's socio-constructivist theory (1978) also explains that social interaction is arguably one of the most important contributors to cognitive development.
  3. Inclusive Practices: Effective teachers acknowledge the full range of their students’ learning needs. And number four, inclusive teaching practices that adjust instruction based on how students learn and whatever barriers in context of the class time are presented due to learning styles & abilities diverse background, this encourages fairness and inclusivity (Tomlinson, 2001) among students.
  4. Formative Assessment: Continuous assessment of where the student is so far helps teachers to understand learning gaps and provide feedback just-in-time. Black and Wiliam (1998) suggest that formative assessment can support student learning as it informs students of what they do well, while offering them guidance on how to improve their performance.

The Effect of Teaching Practices on Student Performance

In fact, research has shown time and again that beneficial pedagogical strategies correlate closely with favourable student outcomes. Setting clear goals, providing feedback to students, and involving students in the learning process are among that strategies found by Marzano (2003) applicable for not only increase levels of educational progress amongst learners.

At the level of higher education, this significance is further underscored by research that led to Chickering and Gamson's (1987) Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education. Those principles—from promoting student-faculty contact and encouraging active learning to giving feedback quickly have become touchstones for quality teaching in higher education.

Professional Development and Teaching Practices:

Professional development programs are essential for the improvement of teaching process among higher education faculty. The programs create occasions for teachers to update their teaching repertoire, experience different approaches and work together with other staff. Guskey (2002, p. 104) suggests that good professional development changes teaching and leads to better learning for children

The teaching practices contribute towards shaping the professional behaviours patterns and hence they are an essential element that has some direct effect on imparting quality education resulting in better student success or outcomes. Well defined teaching strategies supported with clarity, interaction and feedback type inclusive nature provides complete learning atmosphere. Studies underline the large effects associated with these practices for student outcomes, so ongoing professional development for teachers is of tremendous importance. By promoting good quality teaching practice, higher education institutions can ensure that their teachers are equipped to work with a wide range of students and train in the pursuit of academic excellence.

Interpersonal Relations and Professional Behaviour Patterns

Interpersonal relations are a crucial aspect of professional behaviour patterns among teachers in higher education. These relations encompass the interactions and relationships that teachers develop with students, colleagues, administrators, and other stakeholders. Positive interpersonal relations are characterized by mutual respect, effective communication, and collaboration, all of which contribute to a supportive and productive educational environment. This passage examines the importance of interpersonal relations in professional behaviour patterns and discusses key studies that highlight their impact.

Relevance of Interpersonal Relations: A supportive and collegial school/ educational community resides on the foundation that is created through positive human relationships. Teachers who establish strong personal relationships with their colleagues become better at identifying and satisfying the needs of students, they are more effective besides helping other professionals around them and contributing to increasing her academic environment. Stronger relationships help students learn more, care about learning, and build pathways to future educational attainments.

Key Components of Effective Interpersonal Relations: Respect and Empathy (Teachers who show respect, empathy to students & colleagues project welcome inclusive environment). When interactions are conducted respectfully trust is developed; thereby, promoting an environment that the encourages open communication—necessary to collaboratively address academic and personal concerns effectively (Hargreaves 1998).

Communication:  Strong form of communicative factor should remain clear and constructive. A healthy interpersonal relationship. Teachers do so by communicating expectations, giving feedback and listening attentively to what the other has to say (Goleman 2006).

Collaborative relationships: between teachers and with students to enhance the learning experience. One common theme is the development of shared understanding and collective responsibility among teachers — for example through co-teaching, team project-based inquiry into jointly identified professional questions or challenges such as teacher mentoring (Planche & Hubbard, 2007), engaging in group study around an inspiring practice goal (Daly et al., 2013) or participating with colleagues from other schools to do so.

Conflict Resolution: One of the key elements that make up professional behaviour is effectively being able to manage and resolve conflicts. Teachers who are able to successfully mediate disputes, and orchestrate solutions for the benefit of both parties generate an environment that is more cooperative and conductive to learning (Johnson & Johnson 1995).

Effects of Interpersonal Relations on Educational Outcomes: One major finding in the educational field from previous research is that positive interpersonal relations matter for educational outcomes. For instance, Wentzel (1997) found that teachers who establish supportive student-teacher relationships may improve students' motivation and engagement in class as well as their academic achievement. The findings highlight the need for teacher-student interpersonal relations to ensure an improved quality of learning.

In the context of higher education, interpersonal relations have a role within as well as outside the classroom. This involves creating a culture of collaboration and continuous professional development between faculty members. Indeed, research by Daly et al. (2011) supports the argument that positive faculty relations between members promote a culture of community and compatibility within academic units; increasing overall success in departmental initiatives.

In addition, institutional dynamics and governance are also determined by or strongly influenced through interpersonal relations. Academic works have shown that successful leadership and decision making in schools may derive from highly developed relationships (Bolman & Deal, 2008). Leaders who develop strong relationships with staff and faculty are able to move beyond the obstacles that arise in institutions, both by increasing team productivity while also establishing a unified employee base.

Professional Development and Interpersonal Relations: For teachers, this pose has much relevance in a professional development program which improves the area of Social Interaction of how to strike a conversation and its ability with restive situations. Such programs usually provide education on communication, interpersonal conflict resolution and cooperative practices. Teachers who engaged in professional development sessions targeted at better disciplinary practices reported greater job satisfaction and effectiveness (Zepeda, 2012).

Professional behaviour patterns: Interpersonal relations {in higher ed} These relationships should be respectful, clear in communication, trustful and collective as they develop an instructional environment which is supportive for them. A strong body of research has documented the importance and impact on these relationships in student success, retention, motivation for academic achievement faculty collaboration and institutional effectiveness. There is a lot of scope for schools and educators to focus on interpersonal skills which leads them to deliver quality education that in turn contributes towards more intellectually driven academic community.

Conclusion
The professional behaviour of teachers at the university level are key factors for creating a proper academic climate and impact upon student success. These qualities of behaviour, informal in terms of teaching methods, interpersonal skills including ethical behaviour and so on are critical to generate conducive atmosphere for quality education. Qualities that make for professionalism in teaching extend the pure depth of knowledge and content mastery; rather, they are more nuanced such as being adaptable, accountable management material worthy to enhance professional growth efforts. All of these naturally also help in the growth and development of our students personally as well as academically besides ensuring that teachers raise the bars for themselves, there by creating a culture excellence and integrity at colleges around India.
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