Hi Terry,
Students need all the support from us that they can get, yet making them realize the importance of independence. It sounds contractdictory, but it can be done. It is very similar to parenting...
Patricia
It is important to keep a professional distance from your class to avoid letting the students get too close, and that is when they attempt to take advantage. Also it is unprofessional to let the students in to your personal life. Minimal personal information is best.
There is a time when the career student will become a peer in the industry. Until that time, it is important to continue to maintain the leadership/subordinate relationship to be able to provide continued support throughout the remainder of the student's coursework.
At the end of rotation when i asked my students about their input,they told they respected me more because I maintained distance.they also said they were more disciplined since they knew I don't act as their buddy or their age.
Maintaining a professional image allows you to be objective when dealing with your students. Also, if you wind up becoming their friend and have to discipline them, you have acted badly as a friend while trying to do the right thing as their instructor.
-Greg
Getting too close to a student or allowing yourself to be viewed as more than an authority figure can cause the classroom to run wild. They begin to feel that you are a "friend" or you are "cool" with whatever goes on. Before you know it, your classroom becomes more of a social setting rather than a learning environment. This can be catastrophic.
Your students need to realize that even though you might be there age or younger than them, that you are their instructor and there is a boundary. Every move you make they will watch because you may be their only mentor, so you need to make sure you are an excellent one at all times.
In my courses, I discourage from using foul language - (usually younger students) and and also encourage them to be aware of appearance and speech when presenting their work and ideas.
That is a good point. An instructor is a role model for students. It is importnat to show that you are professional in your speech, dress, and language. I teach online classes and don't use "texting" language with discussion board posts such as "lol" when communicating with students.
I think maintaining a professional image is important so that students know you are their instructor and not their pal. I don't accept "friend" requests from students on Facebook. I provide my bio to students so they know about my background and experience. I also ask that students call me Mr. Craig or Professor Craig and not my first name.
It is so important because we are role models for our students. When we aren't professional students notice this and it can create issues. Just like children need rules and boundries our students need good role models. I work on this everyday. It is hard because of all the different personalities. Also, as an instructor I want the students to succeed and sometimes that can run into being buddies. I have always strived to not do that though.
It keeps the students on a different level. You don't want to be buddy buddy with a student.
Hi Deidra,
Absolutely! There is a distinct difference between being friendly and being friends. Know when to draw the line.
Patricia
Hi Rochele,
Absolutely! Lead by example. Many of our students look up to us as their role model.
Patricia
You need to make sure that your class knows their boundaries. If you become their friend, they will take advantage of that in most cases. You are the instructor and they are the students. I'm not saying that you have to be unfriendly but you must be professional at all times
Hi Kevin,
Absolutely! Real simple, lead by example because we are being watched.
Patricia
Hi Charles,
Prospective students are really observant as well. I have had many prospective students to say that they noticed everyone is so professional. Believe it or not, professionalism is a selling point to prospective students.
Patricia
Hi Gary,
Students need to go back to the old ways and give their instructor the utmost respect simply because they are the instructor. As instructors, we should respect our students as well. Respect is a two-way street.
Patricia
It helps the student value you as an instructor. You are not there to be one of the buddy's, you are the instructor. It helps the student respect you and develop a understanding of your role.
