Student Buddies/ Instructional style
Being Buddies with your students can raise favoritism opinions and make other students feel, left out. This makes it very important to treat them all equally, while at the same time making an effort to simulate a "real shop" feel to you lab especially. I feel that it is ok to show empathy for certain situations they may encounter, but do not extend a courtesy to one student that you would not extend for others, if they earned it. While in shop as many facets of shop experience should be woven into the shop lesson.
Hi John,
When pairing students you can expect both parties to benefit from each other. It is always amazing to me how much each student brings to the class and to the group.
If a pairing does not work out create new pairings. This will make your job much easier and benefit the students even more.
Gary
I try to pair weaker students with better students so that the weaker student can be mentored
In my career as an instructor I've learned to be friendly with all and friends with none.
Hi Dennis,
Trying to get too close to students is a problem that many instructors face. They aren't clear on the boundaries that need to be established. Yes we can be empathic to emerging situations but we have to be aware of our professional responsibilities as educators and be fair in our approaches and supports.
I wish you much success in your teaching.
Gary
