What about "Paul the Pal"?
I thought that this module was helpful but it did not mention the problem student who is bound and determined to be your best friend. They show up early for class, they stay late and they ply you with endless compliments and questions. At first it is flattering to have their support but after a while it gets tiresome; in addition, the other student tend to resent (if not despise) "Paul the Pal" as a brownnoser. How do you tone them down without alienating them?
Hi Joseph,
Distance is key in the education environment! Treat each student the same so that no problems are generated.
Patricia
I would say it's best to provide some distance between this student and yourself. If you can, deflect the student by politely explaining that you have other students/responsibilities/duties that require your attention and you need to deal with those as well.
Within the academia institution where I work, we have a "nonfratinization" rule between student and educator. There are a few that seem to test the waters, however, with perserverance and temperment of the instructor, these problems can duly be eliminated. It is one thing to be a listener and coach; another to be too involved, which could be overshadowed as playing favoritism. It is easier to keep a distance than to create a distance once a line has been crossed.
you must draw that line in the sand early i have one of those i just sit and listen but never give to much
