Young adults are coming to school to be taught. They are there to learn from educated, experienced individuals, however, there are times when I let my hair down when I make a mistake to show that I am just as human as they are.
The profeesional image creates a respect for the instructor. and students take pride in being the class of such an instructor.It is important to maintain professional distance so that students will not look at the instructor as a buddy but as a person whom they respect and look forward to learn from the professional experience the instructor brings to the class room.
It is nice to have a rapport with students and sometimes personal information will be shared as a result. However, if too much of this information is shared students can start to loose respect for you as a teacher and see you more as a friend. When students see you as a friend they may feel that is is accepable to trade on this friendship for preferential treatment. This creates an unfair environment for the rest of the students in the class.
Students look to professors as professionals, way too many times have I seen instructors patroning the same bars and pubs as the majority of students.
Totally agree with staying on a professional level. You cannot become friends with the students. They lose respect for the instructor. Students will try and manipulate instructors, new instructors need to be very careful!
Hi Walter,
Absolutely, this is a practice that all instructors should follow to avoid getting in any type of trouble.
Patricia
Hi Frank,
No one likes favoritism. It is definitely frowned up. Treat everyone the same.
Patricia
Hi Walter,
I can tell you are very fair to your students based on this response. Students frown when favoritism is shown.
Patricia
Hi Amanda,
That's right! We are certainly the role model, therefore we should lead professionally in all areas.
Patricia
Hi Georgia,
That's right, and they will also respect you as a professonal if you present yourself professionally in every way.
Patricia
Hi Kanisha,
Absolutely! Students will run completely over you if they do not respect you.
Patricia
If students dont respect you the less control over your class you will have!
Maintaining a professional image allows the student to respect you for your experience and knowledge.
You must portray yourself as being a caring instructor but need to keep things on a professional level. If you attempt to become friends with the students you will use respect and thus control of the class.
Lori
A professional image is very important for the instructor. It sets you apart from the students as an expert/reference in that area of study. you are the role model and the students can learn from your mistakes and hopefully, not make the same ones.
I always make sure that all students know that I treat every student the same and that, while I will listen to individual situations, I will not show favoratism. Also, I insist on professional conduct. If a student becomes disruptive, I will have a private word with them if possible, or, if necessary, ask them to leave the class for the day.
to prevent favortism and un-professional conduct in a teaching enviorment
I agree. We have a saying - "Be friendly but not friends." Being friendly can do so much to create a good relationship, but it allows us to draw that line and maintain the proper distance.
Hi Stephanie,
You are right! It is simple because this is they way it should be. Keep things stricly professional.
Patricia
Hi Mike,
Some students simply do no have any professionals to look up to. We have to be great role models for our students because they are professionals in trianing.
Patricia
