I think that as an instructor you should be a professional role model for students. There is a fine line between being their friend and being a mentor. You should try to help in all ways but always on a professional level.
Hi Roland,
I love your outlook! I am sure you have made a positive differece in many students lives. Keep up the great work! We need educators like you. Continue to lead by example.
Patricia Scales
As professors, teachers, educators etc... it is our responsibility to set an example for students regardless of their age or experience. By maintaining a professional image, in my opinion it requires a couple of essential items. First is appearance; by maintaining proper attire and grooming--it presents not only an external persona but gives somewhat of an insight of how we are as ordinary people. What student looks foward to looking at a unprofessional "slob" day in and day out? In my undergraduate institute there was an Organic Chemistry professor with various condiments adorning his clothes on a daily basis. Secondly, a professional attitude which does not discriminate. Regardless of the student, whether they are doing poorly or great, a teacher should treat them with the same respect.
Hi Michelle,
I agree! As instructors we are watched closely, and we must make sure we walk the walk.
Patricia Scales
Hi Margie,
You are definitely on point. The student/instructor relationship should be strictly professional in nature.
Patricia Scales
As a professional you are a role model so appearance, behavior, ethics, morals are all on display.all that should not get in the way of the class management.
Maintaining a professional distance from students is important because you want students to respect you. It's okay if they like you and also, okay if they don't but you don't want it to seem like you're buddies with some and not others. It would then seem your playing favorites so it's best to keep professional.
Maintaining a professional image is important for a couple of reasons. First, the image we as instructors maintain should be at the very minimum, that of the industry we are preparing our students to enter, so we are setting the example of what the expectations of the industry will be. Next, professional image can mean many different things such as: appearance, behavior, ethics, morals, act. All of these are important contributing factors to successful and respected educators.
What helps me maintain a professional image and distance with my students is establishing our relationship at the beginning of our course. I explain to them that I am a supervisor and they will be treated as employees/students in my training. I expect them to conduct themselves as potential employees as they attend school. I let them know I'm here to help them be as successful as possible in the medical environment, and understanding professionalism is paramount to this success.
Maintaining a professional image and distance is extremely important as part of class management because it sets the mood. It clarifies to the students that you are hear to learn, the instructor is not here to make friends but they are here to help the student. This also sets a rapport to let students know where they stand in the class and what are the instructor's expectations of them as a student not as a potential "friend"
I have always maintained a professional distance from students. However, I have made the mistake of discussing a student's personal problems with them by giving advice, etc. This is a mistake I will not make again, as a student I engaged in conversation in this manner later became irrate and dropped out of the program when I had to discipline her for inappropriate behavior. I believe she was mad at me because she felt we had a relationship beyond student/instructor.
Maintaining a professional distance is important because one must always keep the instructor/student line clear. Student should never be comfortable enough to call you by your first name. A professional distance also keeps any risk of fraternization claims low.
Professional distance is important for serveral reasons. First, you lose authority in the classroom if you are seen as a "buddy." Also, this can also cause a lot of problems with students who feel like you are giving special treatment to students where the professional distance seems nonexsistent which in turn will make it seem like the instructor is playing favorites.
Hi Leslie,
I LOVE your attitude! All educators should have this outlook! Continue doing your best!
Patricia Scales
At the beginning of each term I post a welcome email on the class portal for each student in the class to see. Beginning the first day of class I try to maintain a positive environment in the classroom by setting clear expectations and by treating each student as a person by learning their names as quickly as I can. I also think it is important give plenty of support, compliments, and encouragement to keep the class upbeat. When I address disciplinary issues I usually do so privately keeping embarrassment to a minimum. Finally, I try to be positive about the job I am doing, the subjects that I teach, and the school that I am teaching at.
Student lose respect for you and the course requirements, as well as their responsibilities.
Leon Guendoo
It is important to maintain a professional distance from students because it creates the necessary boundaries that must be in place. A student must understand that the teacher is not their collegue or buddy. We are not friends. It is fine to be friendly, however, the line must be drawned in the sand so that inappropriate behavior is not manifested. This is also an important method of classroom management. If the student views the instructor as a peer, they will never respect the atomosphere or culture of the class. Especially when a conflict arises.
Hi James,
The relationship between instructor/student should be kept strictly professional to avoid problems.
Patricia Scales
That is a two fold issue, first.. if you become to close that can be interpreted as being in their personal space, however, if you do not build a rapport with your students you could be "playing" favorties or not like certain students. I think it is a gentle balance that must be maintained with distance, however, professionalism is a must at all times!
there are many reasons, a simple one is to create a teachinig atomsphere that is fair to all, a friendship outside of being professional could cause issue during evaluations/grades.
