Disciplinarian vs. Pal, the quandry
Most learning institutions constantly strive to improve their methods, materials and instructor competencies. To do so, they must assess their current status in numerous categories, including grades, graduation rates and customer (student) satisfaction. I wholehearted agree that instructors and administrators require feedback to continue enhancing programs and curriculums. With regard to student assessment of instructors, it seems as though some instructors are so intent on pleasing their students that they tend to neglect their role as disciplinarian and gravitate to the pal role. Some seem to do so due to the fact that they want to be popular but for others, student satisfaction has an impact on their performance reviews and compensation. I am of the opinion that discipline and classroom control, balanced with competence and compassion, will, in most cases, elicit favorable student responses. In contrast, there are others who believe that they must be more lax and befriend their students in order to garner positive student survey responses. This may depend on the weight those responses are given by the specific institution in question. Any thoughts or opinions?
I think that teachers are like parents, we want our students to succeed and do well and we want them to like us but there is a fine line between being their friend and being a disciplinarian.
Hi Adelaine,
Well stated. If we can find the balance that you describe we will have our students engaged and focused on their career development.
Gary
Our goal as an instructor is to provide our students with the needed knowledge and skill to prepare them in their chosen career and to lead them to the path of success. Employing discipline is so important in the achievement of this goal. But developing a good rapport and friendship with our students is of equal importance too. Our emotional intelligence will help us keep the balance of being a disciplinarian and being a friend to our students. Students are given the guidance with their learning experience in a structured environment and will be motivated to go on if they feel they are accepted and treated with respect.
Hi Audrey,
I would bring into to class examples of how careers have been destroyed as a result of poor judgment in posting certain things on social network sites. It seems that locally one of these situations is in the paper and yet people still are not getting that they can ruin their lives with such postings.
Gary
With all the new technology out there and my students being around the same age as me. How do we handle students who want to use text messaging or programs like Facebook to communicate? I believe that it is also important to maintain a professional on the internet as well. People should be careful about what they post on the internet about themselves.
Hi Branden,
Start with the development of respect. When you have earned the respect of your students you will start to see how your instructional style and persona fits within the class structure. You are right with your assumption about likeability coming with respect and rapport. Don't try to overwhelm the students nor let them run over you. Striving to find that balance will put you in a good position to go what ever way is needed to keep control of the class while developing rapport with the students.
Gary
I am having different thoughts about being liked or disliked once I am on my own in the classroom. I do know that there are different ways to achieve respect and with respect I think comes the acceptance and likeability. I would like to be in the median of this with out going to far one way or the other. Any suggestions on this would be very helpful to me as well as others in my position.
Hi Kimberly,
I agree with you about instructors being successful when they lay out clear expectations, requirements and policies. The students then know from day one how the course is going to operate. This goes a long way in earning the respect of the students.
Gary
It's my experience that students of all ages desire (whether they will admit it or not) an instructor who is clear about expectations for behavior and course work. I think that instructors who can assert the right balance of being a manager and a motivator will find that even students who grouse about the expectations appreciate them. Maybe we don't give students enough credit for recognizing professionalism and high standards for behavior, even when they don't agree with them.
Hi Gary,
I agree that preparation and organization are key elements. Not all instructors understand how to maintain control and allow the class personality to develop. Levity and laughter are wonderful for students and instructors, as long as there are boundaries. Your point about sharing a vision for the student's success opportunities is excellent. Your interest and investment into their futures is so important to their perception and their own investment into their education. Thank you for your response and explanation.
It is always refreshing to see instructors who are passionate about the subject they teach. Students are quick to distinguish between an instructor who teaches for a paycheck and one who loves what they do and what they teach. It sounds as though you have excellent colleagues and a very supportive department. Thank you for your response. I’m sure you will receive excellent reviews from your students. I wish you the best!
Hi Chris,
I am one that thinks good classroom management and control is critical to learning success. By being prepared and organized I am able to offer quality instruction to my students. We share information and laughs in our class but the students know that I am in control. The results are that I get excellent student evaluations because of the content I share, the relevancy I bring to the classroom and the fact that I share a vision of their success opportunities with them.
This is how I want my instructional delivery to be offered.
Great question and one that most instructors wrestle with as they develop their classroom persona.
Gary
Your points are well taken, Chris. This is a dilemma I have faced as a new instructor and as a naturally gregarious person who loves the subject I teach. I feel fortunate that our department has a handbook that lays out certain rules and parameters and if a student seems to be pushing that envelope, I can use the handbook as a tool and not feel like I'm the bad guy. I do want to strike a balance between inappropriate friendship and genuine empathy for my students. The Dean of Faculty and others at my institution have observed my classes and they have enough experience and savvy to give me feedback that balances the criticisms leveled by the students. I value constructive criticism, but the experienced peers are able to help me distinguish between valid criticism and whining!
