Students view the instructors as a role model. It is important for the students to know the expectation the workforce, to know the importance of professional dress as well as use the proper vocabulary in their field of choice.
Keeping a professional distance from students is important that an instructor does not subjectively grade higher for those which have developed a social relationship or give preference in grading in questionable test questions. If the relationship is social, it is more horizontal. The instructor must be in charge and take the lead.
Students from different cultures do respect the instructor more, and I have foud in the past that the students from another culture are shocked at how the students from the US can be so disrespectful at times.
I agree with you Cindy. This is especially true outside the work place. You never know when you will meet up with a supervisor or, better yet, a patient that you have treated in the past.
Hi Cindy,
Do not tolerate it. Have them removed from your class.
Patricia
Hi Gerry,
The instructor has full control of being regarded as an instructor instead of a student. It is all in the presentation--dress, actions, speech, mannerism, etc.
Patricia
Students need to respect you as a teacher, not think you are one of them. This is a common mistake for all new instructors. They feel that if they share personnal experiences, the students think the instructor "understands" them more.
"What do you think students from different cultures expectations are of an instructor?"
I think that students from other cultures (not all) tend to respect their elders, respect people who have more knowledge than they do, and so forth more than they do here in the US. Thus, students from other countries often respect educators more. I have worked overseas and have been much more respected than here at home. Also, young people today think they are "entitled." It was much different from earlier generations in the US which were taught the above values, that had to work to get an education, etc. Also, I have been in some countries where how well you did in high school affected where you were allowed to go to college/university and even what field you were allowed to study in some countries.
Yes, but sometimes no matter how much you respect your students they are still rude. How do you counter this?
TO represent a professional image, you have to look at other things that may also affect your image in general. For example, in the nursing field, one way to do this is by not allowing the media to portray nurses as "handmaidens or sex toys" as they like to do on some of these TV shows (greeting cards that illustrate the "naughty nurse image" do the same thing). I tell all of my students that they should make a conscious effort to write to these companies that do these things. Also, I tell them that their manner of dressing and behavior out in public represents how the public will think about all nurses in general. I always try to dress nicely, act appropriately, speak clearly, etc.
Teaching ad managing are not that diferent in some aspects. By mainatining a professional distance, it is possible to be able to stay objective and to maintain the respect of your studenst.
It helps to convince students that you are not making up material or ad libbing to make the class work. Students listen more if you ar credible
Hi Jeni,
As the old adages go, "Lead by example" and "Practice what you preach."
Patricia
I have learned over the years I/ve taught that the students look at us as role models. I am often unaware of this. It is important to know they look up to us, and set the right examples.
I agree. You wouldn't choose to be taught by someone who appears to be less than competent.. even if they are truly knowledgeable... image says a lot - so we have to accept that.
Hi William,
Great response! We should maintain our professionalism at all times so that it doesn't matter if someone is looking or not.
Patricia
We as instructors need to maintain a professional image because students look up to us as role models. What do we do when no one is looking? You never know when someone may see you not being your best.
Hi Rolando,
What a response! You touched on all bases. We as educators must know when not to cross the line and when the students should not cross the learn. Teaching is strictly "business". You must be numb to the personal side of things, yet be caring, empathetic, and sympathetic; somewhat contradictory, but it must be done (don't get involved personally).
Patricia
Professional distance: What a concept! We have all seen the latest reports on teachers nationwide violating the most sacred of "teaching vows"; getting "personal" with their students. I am going to preserve the decorum of this post or thread by not mentioning any names, but we know who they are and what they have done. I am not concerned about these people outcome; they will get what justice deems fit. I concern myself with the aftermath; the bad name their actions have brought to our profession and the "sour taste" in every hard working educators mouth. Ours is a humble yet crucial endeavor. We educate, we feed and mold hungry minds. We are trusted by society as a whole with this unique responsibility.
Taking in consideration what has ensued in the news, now more than ever, we educators have to be conscious about maintaining professional distance and image. Most educators I have had the honor to learn from and see perform their art, were close to being almost "family members"; I saw aunts and uncles, father and mother figures in these professionals, and they never violated the sanctity of their vows. It is human nature for people like "us" to be more than just a teacher; we care. We are the "source of all knowledge" outside the students' household. They will come to us for education, guidance and sometimes, even a shoulder to cry on, and we cannot turn that grieving soul away, no matter what. We can impart knowledge, comfort the grieving soul if we can, but we have to keep things in perspective. In my humble opinion, this is the secret to be succesful exercising "professional distance and image"; Perspective. One can be dedicated to "the cause" as we see fit. Perspective brings rationale to how much personal involvement and closeness you can provide to your students. I have had my catharsis on this one. I welcome your thoughts. Thank You.
He Steve,
The line should be a VERY CLEAR line. The instructor has a role, and the student has a role. Both parties should ALWAYS stay in their place.
Patricia
