Daniel Huston

Hello, Sam! [Or should I say Ms. Weber? ;-) ] Yes, it is a reflection of cultural values. But it may also relect a conflict between values as well. Most of my students would like to be on a first name basis with me immediately. But that can blur the lines of the teacher-student relationship. My preference for titles is to reinforce the respect for each other in our respective roles-- both teacher & student. Just as you received a new name growing into womanhood, my students must earn the right to address me by first name (but outside the… >>>

In looking at many of these responses, almost all that I've read seem to be about the physical or technological environment. But the single most important component of the classroom environment is mostly conspicuous by its absence. The most important aspect of any learning environment are the students themselves. Never, ever forget that otherwise intelligent & resourceful minds can be easily shut down by the social atmosphere & you might not even be aware of it. Many students are eager to learn & to ask questions, but are so afraid of how they appear to their classmates that they'll never… >>>

When I was in college, my professors always addressed me as "Mr. Huston." The practice of addressing a student with a title is something that I begin the first day of class & I believe that it's very important not to address a student by first name in class. Using a title such as Mr, Mrs, Ms, or Miss helps from the beginning to establish appropriate boundaries between teacher & student. It's important because I think that students need to be reminded that: (1) I'm here as your instructor & that's my role in this class: I'm not here to… >>>