Human Vs. Rules
When I first began teaching I was a rules follower and had no deviations.
After attending a Master's course with Professor Hughey, he showed you can maintain the rules and standards; but also be an approachable and compassionate educator.
I became a better instructor, positive report with the students and my final course evaluations increased dramatically.
It's always been very difficult for me to be around--much less learn from--someone (a teacher) that didn't/couldn't share their "personality & enthusiasm" with me...the class!
I really think we learn best from those we like, and it's difficult, if not impossible, to like someone who is primarily content based and therefore seen as distant and unapproachable.
I personally have had difficult times due to being too compasionate. Partially I feel some of this is due to what I teach. I teach for a massage program and compassion is something that needs to be conveyed to the students so they can understand/learn how to be compasionate with future clients.
It is not so much trouble if I am the first teacher they have as this seems to be the time that they learn the rules. Well at least my rules, as each teacher applies the rules differently. I have noticed that I have more trouble controling a classroom after certain teachers who have a loose set of rules.
I like your idea of spelling out the rules on the syllabus. Usually I just go over my rules verbally. If I put them down on paper then maybe they will take them more to heart.
When I first stepped into the classroom, I was more concerned with the content and substance of my lessons. After one term, it was obvious to me that I had "humans" in front of me who were not a captive audience. I began to add my personality and enthusiasm along with all that content I had developed. The result was better discussion, participation, and real learning!
I think instructors have to perform a balancing act between being human and compassionate and yet enforcing those rules that need to be enforced. This is a challenge that an instructor learns to overcome with classroom experience. However, students regularly present problems, questions, and expectations that are unique and compelling and which make enforcing the rules difficult. Therefore, it is important to spell out as many of these rules (the ones that will be enforced) on the course syllabus. It is equally important not to make statements or take actions that contradict what is on the syllabus.
