Hi Dennis,
What do you think students from different cultures expectations are of an instructor?
Patricia
Hi Dennis,
Whenever our students get perfect attendance for a grading period, the students are entered in a drawing. The winner gets to choose a staff/faculty member to take them to dinner to a restaraunt of their choice. The school pays for the dinner. The staff/faculty member always maintain their level of professionalism during the dinner.
Patricia
I've even heard of professors having students to a rare dinner and still they maintain the professionalism needed for the position.
Students have a mental picture of what a professor is. While there's a lot of latitude in the picture, it's important to fit somewhat that image. Some students, especially from other cultures will be more rigid in this expectation. Additionally the professionalism we demonstrate helps re-enforce our status in our own profession.
Maintaing a professional appearance is to keep the students from putting you on there level and looking at you as a friend. If they know too much of your personal life then their way of thinking can change towards you
You are not only a representatve of your institution, but of your chosen profession. Think about what you are saying to others about where you work and your career, when you act unprofessional.
Hi Mark,
I am sure you are regarded by your students as an expert in your profession. Students let you and others know quickly if you are perceived otherwise.
Patricia
I want to be perceived as an expert in the field I am now teaching, and that I have the experience to bring to the classroom. Being respected as a professional by my students means they have a role model of a successful professional, and rely on my instruction to give them what they need to pass my course. They will enjoy the process of learning in my classroom due to the fact that they are always taking home a message of professionalism.
Hi Terri,
Yes they do!! Instructors should be held to high standards pertaining to professional image by personnel.
Patricia
Hello Dixie,
Bottom line, is that if the problem is beyond your scope, you can suggest ways for the students to get help. I understand the points you've made.
Patricic
Hello Christina,
Treated all students the same is a must. Fairness is key!
Patricia
It is important to maintain a healthy distance between you and your students. When students get to personal with an instructor, they often begin to treat them as a "friend" and this is not the type of relationship that is supposed to develop between an instructor and a student.
MeLinda
Hi Christopher,
The line has to be drawn. My students know I am their instructor, not their buddy. They do not get any special treatment.
Patricia
Hi Kym,
We have to let the students know that we are truly on their side. We want to see them succeed.
Patricia
Hi Rodney,
Your image should speak for itself. Professional is the only acceptable way.
Patricia
it is important to keep your students from thinking of you as a buddy or friend. friends after all forgive their freinds when things dont work out exactly right and they may start to expect you to do the same when they hand in an assignment late or something similar
Hi Patricia,
Absolutely! Nicely responed to. Other students will think you are showing favoritisim as well.
Patricia
Maintaining a professional distance is important because when the lines of teacher and friend become blurred, the classroom relationship also becomes blurred. Issues of respect and boundaries easily become problems. Students tend to look for special treatment from profesors once the line is crossed.
It is very important, first of all you need to be respected in your field. If the students do not respect you and you have no credibility then you are in for a long course. Therefore, always be professional in everything you do.
I think too that it is important that we hold the space for the student to become aware that they are not victims unless they decide that they are. If we compassionately express our belief in their ability to overcome their trials they tend to believe in that more themselves.
