Leadership
One thing I hoped to see more of in the previous modules was a specific header for leadership. As instructors, I think we need to be true leaders for our students. If we lead, then managing, motivating and such come much easier.
One of the modules talked about not being a "pal" to our students. I think it is okay to be a student's pal from time to time. If we get to truly know our students, then they will truly know us. That too will help motivate and manage our students.
What do you think?
I have noticed that if you give your students individual attention and build a strong rapport then students will be motivated to try harder; they don't want to let you down because you believe in them.
Hi Michelle,
Good point about leadership. In every situation someone takes over as leader. Instructors need to establish themselves as educational leaders, because as we all know if they don't it is going to be a very long course.
Gary
I am a recent graduate of Bethel University. The degree I earned was in Organizational Leadership. I would agree with you that more discussion needs to happen about instructors being leaders in the classroom to their students.
As far as being a students "pal," that is a fine line. I think it is easy to get into that role, but I would travel down that path with caution.
Hi John,
That is where the other two Ms come in. The model and motivator. I agree with you that is what we need to be about as instructors. The manager comes in in terms of course preparation, planning and delivery. So the students have everything set up for them as they enter the class each day.
Gary
I think leadership is a more appropriate term for a instructor than a manager. Our role is to inspire, motivate, and induce our studenst to share our vision which is realization of the course objectives so they can share their skills at a larger level
Hi John,
You are right about how there has to be standards that are enforced to help with the development of the students. They need to develop as individuals and professionals throughout the learning process.
Gary
While the "strictness" of the guidelines may be situational, the boundaries of the guidelines must be absolute. I think it is the instructors job to motivate all students to perform inside a set of consistent boundaries while allowing them some leeway in how they interact within those boundaries.
Hi Pamela,
Thank you for the great way you laid out the balance that is needed between an instructor and a student. I have known a number of instructors that could not find that balance and ended up out of the teaching profession as a result of them trying to become pals with students.
Gary
This is a very touchy topic. I believe its more appropriate to be a friend. One who supports and motivates. If you cross the line in being a pal, then a student can interpret that as an opportunity to try and manipulate things in their favor. They can view this as an opportunity to receive special favors. For instance if you become a students pal, and their clinical rotation is sub-par, they can reach the conclusion that they will automatically pass. Their are certain lines that must not be crossed. I believe from the very beginning strict guidelines should be established so a student knows exactly where you "the instructor" is coming from.
Hi Gina,
Well said. It is a very fine line that instructors need to balance on to provide support when needed. For many students seeing the instructor in the light of someone that cares about their success is something of high importance. Instructors need to help students to retain their level of motivation while not letting the students off with less than the highest of standards.
Gary
I agree, being a "pal" is interpeted differently by many. It is very important to get to know your students, sometimes you need to cater a little more to one over another depending on the situation.
It would be a fine line that the instructor would need to balance themselves.
I agree. I feet that if the student feels comfortable coming to talk to me because I am their "pal" it will only help them in the long run. I am not there just to be a teacher to teach them new information, but I am there to help motivate them in their life and being a pal or friend to them will help motivate them in their future
Boundaries are the key. I do agree that you need to keep some level of leadership to manage your classroom effectively.
Hi Catherine,
Well said. You have laid out the professional boundaries that an instructor needs to work within and how modeling this behavior is of benefit to students.
Gary
With today's students, you sometimes NEED to be a pal...not too "chummy" but perceived as a friend. Some of these students need it in order to succeed due to a lack of sopport from their environments.
I feel it is important to maintain clear boundaries with the students. This is a way of modeling professional and ethical behavior and sets a tone for the relationship between student and instructor. When you can be supportive and encouraging with clean, clear communication and appropriate interpersonal skills, everyone benefits. Setting a tone like this in the classroom helps students to recognize how they can 'set a tone' in their professional and personal relationships outside of school and in their field.
Hi Rosemary,
Well said. This is an area that can lead to all kinds of problems when the line is crossed between instructor and students.
Gary
Hi Ann,
I agree about the instructor being the leader of the class setting. If he/she is not someone will and that will be a dominate student which means that the class is not going to go well. Like the old saying goes, "either the warden or the inmates are in charge". By your own presence and professional conduct you can be that leader of the class and that position is earned through respect and rapport.
As for being a pal with students I think that can be a problem. I follow your thinking though and I think you are thinking in terms of being supportive to and for your students. I will be friends with my students so they know they can depend upon me to be supportive of them and help them with their careers even after they have completed my course. I attend numerous weddings, birthdays and graduations as a result of the professional relationships I have developed with my students.
As for being a pal, I don't go out with the students, I don't hang with them, etc. I am not one of their peers. I am not at the same level socially as they, meaning I have graduated and have the big desk(instructor)so I don't want to cross that line. One of my instructors went out drinking with students and ended up getting into a fight which let do a wreck and DUI. He no longer teaches all because he wanted to be a buddy.
I think being a "pal" to students means different things to different people, but there are very few situation that I can think of where this would be the best choice of action.
As teachers, we have the primary responsibility within the instructor/student relationship to set distinct healthy boundaries, not only for us but the student(s) as well.
Sharing with students is a good thing, but sharing too much is not.
