I think you have to be a role model. They're looking to instructors to see how those who practice in the profession act, dress, and conduct themselves.
Patricia - Thanks for posing this question. In my view, there are a variety of reasons why maintaining a professional distance from students is important. Firstly, as instructors, we need to constantly stay focused on our role as instructors. If we allow ourselves to become "friends" with students, we run the risk of showing favoritism towards a select group or students and being expected to "bend the rules" for our friends. It is better to be perceived as the guide for new and required information than to simply be liked by some or all students.
By maintaining a professional image, we assert authority, knowledge, skills, approachability, and compassion. This will create a solid and comfortable foundation for all students that wish to learn from us.
It is important to maintain a professional image with your students because you have worked so hard to create a level of respect with them and you don't want to hinder that respect.
You do not want students to perceive that you are playing favorites with other students, by socializing with some and not others. It is best to keep a professional distance while still coming across as caring.
Hi Jonathan,
Absolutely! You lose all respect if your behavior is unprofessional. Students expect us and want us to behave as professionals. Our students need positive role models.
Patricia
You have to maintain the professional realationship. You need to earn and keep the students respect.
Hi Creighton,
Our students really do look up to us. We must lead by example. Our students model us as professionals.
Patricia
You must conduct yourself as a professional to maintain student respect as a mentor, not a friend
In my case, I am what the students want to be.
By modelling professional behavior and demeanor, and insisting that they do as well, sets the tone of respoect in the classroom.
Keeping a professional distance speaks volumes
1) it sets a specific tone
2) it models the correct type of behvior in a professional work environment.
3) it indicates to the students what a true " professional" realtionship is, when often ti.mes they have no point of reference
In maintaining a professional distance, students will not get to know us very well. If they did get to know us personally, they may become disappointed with certain things we do or decisions we make, and lose respect for us as leaders and experts in our field.
We need to be professiolal at all times but not to the point of being aloof. it is better to have students respect you than like you becouse if they just like you they will try to use to their advantage
They see you as an instructor not as a friend or confidant also it allows them to see you as a leader
Hi Angela,
What do you do to maintain a professional image?
Patricia
maintaining a proffesional image is important if you want the students to respect and listen to what you have to teach. if your unproffesional their attention and retention of your teachings will not be as important to them
That way your a being professional and not making Friends
Hi Stephen,
Absolutely! Instructors should always maintain the highest level of standards. You should never give your students a reason that you are befriending them.
Patricia
Hi Marsha,
Students do look up to us as their role models. They certainly watch our every move.
Patricia
Hi Karen,
Appearance is not to be taken lightly when trying to display professionalism. Many of our students look up to us determine what is appropriate dress.
Patricia
Hi Jennifer,
Instructors should never give students the indication that they are there friends. It should be obvious, it is strictly a teacher/student relationship.
Patricia
Hi Barbara,
You are on point! Setting boundaries with your students is imperative. Students must understand that they are to stay in their place as a student. You do not need students to be your friends, maintain your level of professionalism.
Patricia
Hi Howard,
Once you "buddy up" with students your reputation is tarnished. Instruct them and let them be friends with their peers.
Patricia
