Hi Corinne,
I think "respect" is a better term to use than "authority", only because it implies that the student has little to no control over their learning experience. As all involved in the process are adults, I think that a mutual respect should be shared. The instructor should respect the student and understand that learning is a process and the student should always respect the instructor for the knowledge they are willing to share and the guidance that the instructor must give.
Students often revere professors in high esteem. We tend to take on the roles of mentor, advisor, and counselor. Often, it becomes difficult for the student and the professor to know where to draw the line; especially, when students desire to share personal issues that are keeping them from achieving their academic goals.
As an instructor you should set the boundaries of your interaction with the student early on. Try to maintain a balance of concern for their academic achievement and well being, yet hold a firm stance on what you are there to do. (TEACH)
John,
I agree with you. As teachers, we are the ultimate role model for our students. It is important to have rapport with the students, to make them comfortable and keep communication open, but it is more important not to be seen as a buddy. This can cause dissention in the classroom with other students, and also causes some trust issues between you and the student. Again, the students are paying for an instructor, an expert in their field, not a friend.
Sharon
I agree as a teacher you are the ultimate role model for your students
You are not thier best friend and gossip buddy, but thier instructor and educator.
Being freindly and being a friend is a distinction that a professional can make. Dressing as a role model and not like a student also helps. I do not give my cell number and only provide my professional email.
There are just too many risks when you cross over into that grey area of being a buddy and an instructor. Percieved favoritism, inapropriate conversations, losing control of the classroom environment are just a few risks associated with not keeping a professional distance.
Instructors should be viewed in position of authority. Keeping a professional distance from students helps to command authority plus it sets the tone for the class. I have found that this can be done without seeming cold or unfriendly. Teachers trying to be too friendly or trying to fit in with the students can be taken advantage of easily. It is important the let the people in the class know who is in charge.
Hi Tracy,
You must be very careful not to show favoritism. Students frown upon this, and it certainly is very unfair.
Patricia
I will take a bit of different approach to this question. I entirely agree with the concept of "professional distance," for all the reasons my colleagues discuss. No argument. My only caution is not to take this to an extreme. I have seen too many "ivory tower" faculty that are so aloof that the class just can't connect with them. This imperious, "I am the professor" attitude can alienate a class, just like the extreme can do the same and reduce credibility. Instead, I use a middle of the road approach that seems to work. I judiciously use humor (a hard skill to acquire in an online environment especially) and occasionally show myself as human. Not in a non-professional way, of course, and there in is the "fine line." One can easily step over the line. However, there are whole varieties of way of staying professional but not being impervious and unreachable. Sometimes it's as simple as a reply to someone like "Cool, go for it." Of course, I'm from California and we have a license to use the word "cool" very liberally. (I don't call anyone DUDE though...smile)
Ken Orgill
Hi Ulises,
Students should never get the idea that you are on a personal level with them; everything should be kept professional to protect you and the student.
Patricia
Hi Simone,
I think this is a fair comparison. Personal stories need to be kept to a minimum across the board.
Patricia
I agree with that. I think it's ok to be "friendly" and to show interest in student's personal lives. I do think that you probably shouldn't discuss anything with your students that you wouldn't discuss freely with your boss.
Hi Kelly,
They all should be our favorites. I know it is just human nature to like some more than others, but you must be very careful with showing who is liked more than others.
Patricia
Hi Betty,
That's right! Your reputation is tarnished when you are regarded as having favorites. Having favorites is strongly frowned upon in an educational setting as well as the real world.
Patricia
if a distance from students is not kept the student might get the wrong idea and start taking things personal. it also makes it difficult to discipline students.
Hi Corinne,
I totally agree, and once students lose respect for you as their instructor, it is definitely hard to regain.
Patricia
What I have found is that you should only interact with students at the school setting or by e-mail so that 1 the other students do not think you are showing favortism to just that class mate,also it is not a good thing to meet with the student outside of school. When a student has a project they are stuck on I will get a class trip to that project so the rest of the class can see what that person has found and how we solved the problem.
A teacher is in the position of authority and once that line has been crossed, your authority and respect has been lost.
Hi Debbie,
I concur! Students need a professional so that they can have someone to look up to.
Patricia
