Students as friends vs. students as pals
It's like Schopenhauer's porcupines--only with conditional needles, and unconditional warmth.
Steven,
Key point about relationships. They must be based upon mutual respect as you mention. From that foundation can come the development of rapport which is an important part of the human side of being and educator.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Gina,
You raise a good caution for instructors. Instructors need to be consistent in their interactions with all students. By doing so the students will see that they have a dedicated instructor that cares about the success of everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
(“Rules without relationship leads to rebellion.” Josh McDowell) During first break before I use the restroom, wash my hands, east or drink something the first thing I do is call each student who is not in my class to find out why they are not in attendance. Relationships must be based on mutual respect and never become personal beyond personal problems in the students life that is effecting his or her learning.
I am also a PTT instructor, and yes it is very important that we lead by example. If our students were to see us being friends with another student you might as well throw all the respect you have earned out the window. The other students will always question in their mind if you are being fair..
Angelica,
Yes there is a line that sets the boundary between the students and yourself. This boundary must be retained if you are to be the learning leader for the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Although it is important to have a connection with your students, there is a line that should be kept as the instructor.
Aileen,
Good point and one we instructors need to remind ourselves of each time we interact with students. We need to be fair and consistent in all that we require of our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a physical therapist instructor I teach my students to treat every patient fairly despite the fact that their patient may or may not be likable. so true for students as well. I'd like to think I treat them all the same, but I have to remind myself each time, but by doing so I know I will always be fair.
Joe,
Teachers need to be consistent in their interaction with students. We are charged with the duty of working with all our students whether they are the easiest to work with or not. When we treat each student fairly we are showing our professionalism and the human factor in our teaching.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
All students need to know that, though a teacher is compassionate, the teacher is indeed committed fairly to all students, whether the teacher "likes" that student or not.
Nikolas,
Well said. Like your example.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
