Familiarity Breeds Contempt
I find that some students want to be your friend. Then later on I find those same students wanting special treatment when they show up late or don't hand in an assignment on time. I try to be firm, but fair with my students. I always try to maintain that barrier between student and teacher. It just makes things easier in the long run.
My first boss defined the issue this way. Be friendly, be approachable, never be a friend to those you manage/teach. While there may be a softer way of expressing this, you will be in position of grading and evaluating students whether young or old. With employees you may be promoting them or firing them.
In none of those cases do you want students/employees to think they weren't treated well because someone else was your special friend
Hi Karen,
I've exprienced both groups taking advantage. I think it really depends on the person.
Patricia
It is definitely a fine line to walk. Older students are more able to keep the boundry and still be friends. They understand the rules and abide by them more so than younger students who sometimes take advantage.
I agree. I believe that you can have an excellent and friendly rapport with students while maintaining professional distance. My philosophy is that it's fine if a student considers me a "friend", but it's not fine if I reciprocate that. I will listen to you and support you, but I will not create a reciprocal relationship as I am not your equal, I am your instructor.
