We are not their friends. Once it is established we are friends, the class will fall apart into a "coffee clutch" type atmosphere. No work will ever be accomplished.
Maintaining a professional distance is very important in maintaining respect and professionalism between instructor and student. Also, that image should start at the very first class.
I make sure to dress professionally as well as act and speak professionally.
I feel maintaining a professional distance from the students keeps boundries that are required as an Instructor . It also lets the students know that they can't take adavantage of the Instructor who has a " soft heart ".
You are not there to be their buddy or friend. You were hired to teach and share your skill set in a particular area of expertise. Professionalism in the classroom is vital. Set an example and maintain the control in the classroom is also important.
Professional distance is required to appropriate manage a class due to the position of authority between a student and teacher. The instructor must be unbiased in the delivery of content and grade without favoritism. A friendship can complicate this role.
When an instructor becomes too friendly with students the lines of discipline and respect can blur and have a negative impact on the class as a whole
As an instructor I am a role model for students who will be future health care professionals. I have to set the standards for professionalism in my class and maintain those standards throughout the course. I am able to maintain a professional image by consistently demonstrating behaviors that are considered professional. My classes start on time to demonstrate the importance of promptness. My uniform is clean, pressed, with my name tag visible to demonstrate a professional appearance. I follow through on checking homework and grading promptly to demonstrate through my actions that I value the work that the students submit. Practice what you preach is a very valuable tool in school. My hope is to have students emulating my professional image by the end of the term by role modeling successful behaviors.
By dressing accordingly allays be clean shaved clean cloth and ready for class in a professional manner. Have the desk organized and ready for class and allays be a role model for the students.
An intelligent professor, with a great appearance and a long experience teaching it is something that student would like to have.
Being professional and deliver the curriculum with professionalism. Most of the time the students will also pick up traits of professionalism as a student in managing their own lives in the future of their careers.
You can not be a friend and an instructor. It just sets one up for being accused of favoritism. Plus you can not be an authority figure if students see you as being on the same level as they are.
Hi Wanda,
Favoritism is never good! It is frowned upon! Treat all students alike, and your reputation as a fair instructor will be well respected.
Patricia Scales
Instructors should maintain professional distance from students at all times. There is a boudary that is necessary for students to respect the instructor and for the instructor to treat everyone equally.
Maintaining a professional image is showing students how you want them to act in their new career as a professional.
I have seen firsthand why treating students as a buddy causes problems with other students and other faculty. Favoritism creates big issues. Also, when an instructor's goal is to have all the students like them it undermines the other faculties abilty to require students to toe the line. The student goes over top of the one instructor and the "buddy" instructor gives in to the student.
Students tend to take advantage of instructors when they feel you are thier friend. There has to be a respect and a professional boundary to the students. They will think that they can fratinize if you dont keep it professional.
When teaching the students, first there is a demonstration, with explanation written on the white-board, and go by the course syllabus. Then the students know what to do step-by-step. During this, the instructor questions the students and models the right behaviors for the students.
You are respected more and students want to learn from someone they respect.
When instructors disregard their professional image they then lose respect from their students. Maintaining a professiona image should never be sacrificed.
Maintaining a professional image in the classroom will encourage the students to act the same way. Letting things become to comfortable can cause issues with the instructor-student relationship and eventually lead into their work habits.
