Students will definitely learn more when the classroom is kept professional. Maintaining a professional image is important as an instructor as it gives validity to your students that you know what you are talking about and that you are in the classroom to teach them. Someone who maintains a professional image is a person to be respected and shows authority and knowledge.
I have been accused of being too professional in the past so I have had to work on the fine line of not being too professional (being considered cold or not caring) and being friendly and approachable. Student do seem to respond better if they feel you care about them as individuals but you can not seem to friendly because you have to keep that instructor/student relationship too.
I have been teaching at a career college for 10 years now and it is always amazing how many students do not understand professionalism. Our college talks about mentoring professionalism constantly to these students. Those that do understand professionalism respect that even more when I maintain my professional image.
Maintaining a professional distance from students is important as the instructor is the manager of the class. Instructors should not attempt to become a buddy to their students as problems arise when this happens. Students begin to assume they can call the shots as far as class requirements are concerned.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said "the secret to education lies in respecting the student"
It is important that your students do not begin to see you as a friend or buddy. If students see you as a friend then they will talk to you and treat you in the same manner in which they treat their other friends which is not usually very professional (calling you by your first name and/or discussing personal matters at school). It will also become difficult to reprimand studnets if you develop a friendship with them.
I agree with you completely. Maintaining high level of professionalism is vital to creating an environment conducive to learning.
Hi Brooke,
Nicely said! Students need someone to look up to. They did not enroll to befriend the instructor. They enrolled to learn from a knowledgeable instructor that should remain professional at all times.
Patricia Scales
Hi Tyson,
I concur! If you do not have respect from your students, life will be hard as an instructor for the grading period.
Patricia Scales
H Nelly,
Well said! Students need role models. Friends really do not matter in this case.
Patricia Scales
Hi Mahnaz,
Students are not looking for another friend. Our students need role models to emulate. Lead by example.
Patricia Scales
Hi Jenni,
Students want to and need to know that they are learning from a true professional that is extremely knowledgeable about the subject matter.
Patricia Scales
Our students need a mentor, not a friend to hang out with. I am not their peer and should never behave like one. My influence comes from my position as their instructor, not their friend.
If I cross that line, they will stop listening to me, they will not respect me, and they won't follow policies or rules.
If students do not respect you they will not respect the rules and their learning.
A professional distance from students is part of the professional image an instructor should have. Students don't need to see instructors as buddies; what they really need is to have a model they can follow, and a professional from whom they will acquire all the knowledge and expertise they'll need to succeed in their career.
I agree with you, Maksuda. It is very important for students to value the level of the instructor's knowledge and dedication. Respect is more important than friendship.
This helps to establish respect for the instructor and continued faith that the student has a professional from which they can learn and count on.
Hi Shannon,
It is simple, treat ALL students the same so that no comparisons have to be made.
Patricia Scales
This reduces the chances of students seeing others as "favorites" when you treat everyone in a professional manner. Maintaining a professional distance will get the students ready for the work force and they will have an idea of what to expect. They will understand the concept of professional distance in classes and look for the same type of relationship on the job.
I believe that adhering to the dress code of the school is very important in maintainging professional distance from students. I am 27 years old and the majority of my students are older than me, so for me it is important to 'look the part' in my clothes. I am look young, so I need to balance that with looking experienced and professional
