Introduction Ethos can be defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary as "the distinctive character, feeling, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group or institution. » The famous Greek philosopher and teacher Aristotle studied and taught the concept of ethos. In The Rhetoric, Aristotle identifies ethos as: ...the character [ethos] of the speaker is a cause of persuasion when the speech is delivered in such a way as to make it trustworthy, for as a rule we trust people more probative men. quickly, about things in general, while on points outside the realm of exact knowledge, where opinions are divided, we trust them absolutely (qtd. in Haskins 44). From an educational perspective, ethos can greatly affect the effectiveness of a class. In this case, ethos will be described as the character of a college instructor. To go along with this, an educator in a college classroom must build credibility, dependability, and overall rapport with students. Ethos and education often go hand in hand. Although being an effective and accomplished educator is a daunting task, establishing a philosophy as a teacher is an endeavor in itself. Ensuring ethics as a young educator takes time and effort. Considering age differences between teacher and students, the educator may have to work even harder to establish a philosophy. Regardless of the age of the students: It is obvious that education, whether it is classroom teaching or practical exercises, advice or supplication, must ensure that students engage positively , that they listen and at least pay attention to the words, actions and thoughts of their educators, instead of wandering off or doing something else, or simply leaving to try to learn for themselves what they need (Prange 74).P...... middle of paper ......define Tradition: Adult Learners and Higher Education. "Adult Learning19.1-2 (2008): 12-16. ERIC. EBSCO. Web. March 13, 2011.Strage, Amy. "Traditional and nontraditional college students' descriptions of the "ideal teacher and 'ideal' course and perceived strengths and limitations.” College StudentJournal 42.1 (2008): 225-231. ERIC Web March 11, 2011. “An exploration of the identities, motivations, and concerns of nontraditional students.” Stages of Higher Education.” Psychology TeachingReview 16.1 (2010): 46-57. Web. Williams, Mitchell R. and Tracy Southers. colleges and their effects on adult learners » Adult Learning 21.1-2 (2010): 26-30... 2011.