You want to portray an image of prffesionalism, because at some point these students will be representing your academic institution in the work force. You want to maintain a good reputation in the community.
Hi Angela,
You are right! It is way too risky to develop a personal friendship with students. Some educators have lost their jobs due to having a personal relationship with students.
Patricia Scales
Hi Aaron,
As educators we must lead by example. We must be the professional that we want our students to become.
Patricia Scales
We can respect students and show concern for students but we don't have to be their friends. When you enter into what appears to be a friendship with students, it can create sticky situations and expectations around grades, etc.
Maintaining professional image establishes respect and the proper relationship between student and instructor to help the teacher create and maintain and learning environment. The student will listen to and respect the instructions of the instructor and also look at the example the instructor is setting as the professional in his/her field.
Hi Holli,
I agree! The instructor needs to stay in their role as to instruct. Students do not need another friend; they need professional role models.
Patricia Scales
As a professional, and someone who is responsible for instructing students and formally assessing their work, it is important an instructor maintain an appropriate personal distance from students. To act as a friend is to demote the instructor from a potentially respected authority figure to one of an equal or even subordinate. This will diminish the capacity of the instructor to teach and of the student to learn.
Hi Jackie,
You have it! I can tell you act as a super role model for your students. We need to continue to lead by example and be the professional tht we want our students to become.
Patricia Scales
Hi Hong,
You are on point! Stay neutral in all situations with the student. Develop a professional student/instructor relationship. All other relationships are way too risky.
Patricia Scales
Maintaining a professional distance from students is important, especially in this juristic society we live in. An instructor might be looked upon as giving "favors" to a particular student, even when it's not true.
Maintaining a professional image is important when teaching adult students, not only because this sets a professional environment in the classroom, but because it also allows students to replicate the ways of real work scenarios.
You are not there to be a "buddy" - you are there to serve as a role model for your chosen profession for the students. You lose some of your credibility if you begin treating them like friends/equals. You could be accused of impropriety by others if they believe one of your "buddies" in the class got a higher grade than someone else that is not considered your "buddy".
Hi Lisa,
Yes! Lead by example! Be the professional that you want your students to become!
Patricia Scales
PROFESSIONAL IMAGES ARE IMPORTANT. AS INSTRUCTORS WE ARE HERE TO SET A BETTER EXAMPLE, AND OUR STUDENTS ARE ADULTS WHO LEARN BEST BY EXAMPLE.
L.CARLEY
Hi Devin,
I agree! Students really do appreciate us when they begin their career! Teaching has many of the same lessons as parenting. Students will understand it all at some point!!!
Patricia Scales
Because we are their teachers and they paid for education. We are to act the part and they expect that from us. The way we act professionally is the way the act back to us. Give respect....get respect!
Maintaining a professional distance from students is important to ensure that they are "getting what they paying for" which is an education. In trying to be a students friend we are doing them a disservice. We need to be a role model for them and set up boundaries. I want the students to know that I am here to assist them in being successful, but not someone that they can go out with on a Friday night. I always tell my students that they may not understand everything that I am having them do right now, but when they get out in the field they will be very appreciate in that they will have the knowledge and skill do perform their career. It is almost like tough love.
Hi Sharika,
I concur! It is okay to be friendly to students, you definitely do not need to be their friend.
Patricia Scales
Hi Tamekki,
Students really do look up to instructors, therefore we must lead by example and be the professional that we want our students to become.
Patricia Scales
you don't want them to make the mistake of thinking you are frinds. being open and being freinds are totally diff.
