Hi Ronda,
Absolutely! Students did not enroll for us to befriend them. They enrolled for us to educate them.
Patricia
At least in my experience, this is important to establish boundaries and respect. Students need to know that we are not friends, but rather they are in class to learn from me as a subject matter expert. When those boundaries are crossed, students often feel that they can say things that might be inappropriate or disrespectful. I always think of my teacher in graduate school as an example and mentor for teacher/student interaction. She showed that she cared about her students, but never crossed the line. This gave me much respect for her as an educator and I still consider her a mentor in my own teaching career.
An instructor has to maintain that professional image for students because without it, students may feel that previous rules established do not have to be adhered if the instuctor does not obey such rules. Or if an instuctor becomes too close to a student then a student may feel like the instuctor is more of a friend than a teacher and some of the respect can begin to fade. In the end, the instuctor/student relationship is like the parent/child relationship. An instructor can be friendly with the student, but can not forget that he/she is indeed in the student's life to be an instructor and not a friend.
Hi Nicholas,
We must certainly lead by example. Our students really watch us.
Patricia
I agree. It is very important to act in a way that you expect from your students.
Hi Bryce,
You're right! All students must be treated the same. Do not befriend students, teach them.
Patricia
Hi James,
I have been teaching for more than 21 years, and I have always maintained a great student/teacher relationship. I do not believe in fraternizing with students. I have established this awesome relationship based on my professionalism and the respect ALL students have for me.
Patricia
Hi George,
Absolutely! Cloudiness should never occur with this type of relationship, but it does. Students should know at all times that you are the instructor, and they are the students...this is maintaining that professional image and distance to make this establishment.
Patricia
It is important to be viewed as the "expert" in the classroom. Students should not doubt the leadership, or knowledge of their instructor. This is not to say that the instructor should not open admit to making a mistake, or to not knowing the answer to a question, because by doing so, it shows to the class that the instructor is not perfect, and in fact can learn from his/her students. If too many mistakes occur, the respect as the "subject matter expert" is compromised, while showing a little infallibility, I believe enhances it.
Part of the student-teacher relationship is a mutual respect that requires a professional distance. This respect can be clouded and lost if the student views the teacher as a "friend" rather than an instructor.
To separate the Instructor from the students and prevent the fraternzation that can poison or cancel the instructors respect in the class room. ot to remain above the students but to maintain that profesional setting in the classroom.
I think that if you don't keep that distance it can be a recipe for disaster. If your students feel as if your their friend they might expect special treatment in class and during grading.
Hi Dean,
I concur! Students did not enroll with the thought in mind that you were going to befriend them. They enrolled to become knowledgeable in a certain area from a true professional...the instructor.
Patriciia
It is important in maintaining respect. Students want to respect you more than they would want to be your friend
Hi Dale,
Distance is important regardless! Students should know that you are there to teach and not befriend them.
Patricia
It is important for the instructor to have a professional image because if you don't then what does that say to your students, if you are teaching them how to be professional you must be able to project that image as well.
Maintaining a professional image is very important part of class management,because you present yourself as a specialist in the field that you teach and also you will be a role model for them.Professional distance always creates a better image for yourself and students will respect you more.
Hi Maria,
I solely agree! Our students come with a ton of problems. Most problems are beyond our scope, we need to direct them to the experts.
Patricia
It is important to maintain a professional distance because it will help when later you may have to address inappropriate student behavior or lack of success.
Hi Craig,
The instructor should always have in mine this is strictly business.
Patricia
