Personal Information
It can be a security risk to share too much personal information with students. If a student fails and blames the teacher they may use the personal information to strike out at the teacher.
I will provide them with resources though to help them out. For instance, I had one student whose electricity was turned off and she and her 5 kids were without it for a week. When I found out, I contacted some resources who were able to help them get their electricity back on, food, and so forth.
Hi Carolyn,
Instructors need to keep it strictly professional.
Patricia
Too much personal information can be risky. You don't personally know these students or their capabilities. They may think that you are more of a friend than an as a professional.
Hi Patricia,
Class time should be used to EDUCATE.
Patricia
Personal information or self disclosure is best used when it will benefit the student by making a point or setting an example. Class time is to too valuable to be used as a therapy session for the instructor.
Hi Laquita,
That is the truth. They certainly come with their share of problems.
Patricia
Hello Michael,
Students should never get the idea that they are on the instructor's level. A distinct separation should be made between students and instructors.
Patricia
A security risk may be involved, but at the same time, students will get the impression that they are your equal in the class, at that point class control and respect is gone.
Hi James,
At school things should be kept strictly professional between the instructor and the student.
Patricia
Personal information should not come into the class room,for safety reasons,but also if you talk about your personal life,students may start to think they are on the same level as you,this is not true,you are the instructor not a student and they are the students not the instructor. Seperation must be there to maintain a proper class enviroment.
Yes there is a fine line you must never cross. Students have their own problems they don't need your too!
Hi Christine,
Your personal information is private and should not be shared with students.
Patricia
That's for sure! You really lose credibility when you share too much!
Hi Ben,
Simply put, everything is not for students to know. As the instructor, you must know what to share and what not to share.
Patricia
Hi Christine,
Nicely stated. Never let the students cross the line. A student is to remain in a student's place.
Patricia
I agree with Dee. Our students come with too mush baggage to take on ours too. And we should NEVER open them up to our weaknesses or put them on our level by being "buddies". A time and a place for everything. the instructor always has to be in charge not on the same level! Being compassionate toward student problems shows your interest in a student but don't go beyond that line. If you do then the students actually will be in control of the class not the instructor.
There's a professional line that could be crossed; but also, the class begins to idle during the anecdotes and commentaries. It's not professional to divulge complete information to students. It DOES break down barriers and can help students identify with instructors. However, too much devalues the academic professionalism of the "ivory tower".
Hi Dee,
There should be a distinct separation between personal and professional. A line has to be drawn, otherwise things can go sour.
Patricia
