Hi Mark,
Absolutely! We must practice what we preach, therefore, we must lead by example.
Patricia
Hi John,
Great response! The student/teacher relationship should be simple...strictly business.
Patricia
Hi Joan,
Maintaining distance from your students is a must in education. The boundary has to be established so that a sense of respect/authority takes place.
Patricia
As a Librarian it is important for me to maintain a professional distance between myself and my work study students to maintain a sense of management over their daily work tasks and allow them to gain professional work experience. The same can be true in a classroom situation.
Hi Bonnie,
Professionalism does bring about respect. Continue to lead by example. Students want and need role models.
Patricia
As an instructor I want to have a "persona" of being an industry leader as well as a respected expert and professional.
Because if you are to be successful at teaching them you cannot "get down" so to speak with them. They will lose respect for you. Your role is to impart knowledge in a professional manner it is very unprofessional to interact otherwise with your students.
By maintaining a professional image I have earned the respect of my students and have taught them how to handle themselves in their professional environment once they make it into the medical profession.
Professional distance from students is necessary to establish professionalism, fosters respect and create a replica/image of the profession. This inturn fosters student learning and minimizes unprofessional relationship issues.
You want to cretate an atmophere of respect and let the students know that you are here to educate them. Learning about your students and becomming friends are two different areas. Learning about your students helps to educate them. Making friends with them may create a false sence of relaxation among the students. When a grade that is given that the student has a problem with how do you disscuss this with them. A teachers approach is needed. How do you balance this with a friends approach. This can be very difficult and cause problems with the students opinion of you.
In my opinion, we set the standard that we ask students to aspire to. By not just talking the talk, but walking the walk, we let the students know that we take these standards seriously, as should they.
To keep to a profesional relationship with the students so its not a buddy buddy situation
Fraternizing or being overly friendly with the students can foster a breakdown in classroom management. Professional distance has to be maintained to create a disciplined learning environment.
Hi Tyler,
A separation has to be established. Never let a student get into your personal space. The instructor/student relationship should be strictly professional. You're right, once they feel you are their equal, respect is lost, and it is extremely hard to regain.
Patricia
Hi Germain,
It amazes me about some educators appearance. The can be very sloppy and unprofessional in their appearance. Students are always watching us; we should lead by example.
Patricia
So students will see you as an expert
As instructors our students expect us to not only teach them but also lead by example.
Yes, and not just for the sake of how our students view us as teachers but as representatives of their field. We are setting an example of how people in the field should behave, look, interact, etc. Students will use us as models for their own behavior, consciously or unconsciously. We need to remember this. Also, on a more selfish note, if we get too sloppy in how we present ourselves once it can become habit and bring our own self-expectations down. We begin to accept our own sloppiness as normal and acceptable.
If you don't maintain a professional distance then the students begin to think and feel as though they are equal to you or on the same level. Once this happens, it's impossible to regain control of the class.
Because each student needs to be respected equally. Becoming "buddies" with students jeopardizes your professionalism, and some students will feel that they are not treated equally.
