Getting too involved with students personl lives
As instructors and educators, we care about our students, but how do we maintain the professional boundry without becoming too involved with the students personal life?
Deborah,
You make a good point about the role an instructor may sometimes play. Listening can be very helpful to students but as you say we need to remember not to cross the line and make sure we maintain our boundaries as the educator in charge.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree being in the teaching field for several years its my experience to listen to the students vent. Then ecourage them to work hard and they will do great. Sometimes its hard because you fill the need to mother all of them. But we must always watch that we do not cross that line.
Belinda,
This is a very important part of setting boundaries with students. You need to always maintain the professional distance required to make sure you remain the learning leader and not become a buddy of the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
We need to make sure we keep class on the professional level and not let students or ourselves cross that line. I feel that letting students or instructors for that matter share too many personal things crosses the line, so if we keep this in mind then there should be no need to feel we have crossed the line.
Hugo,
Good point and one that we all need to remember.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree, one must stay professor with your students in order for they can learn without any baggage.
Freda,
This is a very good caution for all instructors to remember. We need to maintain boundaries with our students while providing them support and encouragement.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Instructors must assist students with personal issues because it foster the idea that we portray as a family. It is easier done when we focus on problems and facts. We should not try to change the relationship from student/instructor into parent/child.
Peggy,
Good advice and something new instructors need to remember as they interact with students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sandra,
One way is to keep the student instructor association in the school setting. Listen to and support the students do referrals to the appropriate school offices in order to help student get the help they need but leave it there. We are learning leaders and need to do what we can to facilitate student success but we cannot go beyond those bounds or we can get ourselves into situations that are beyond or expertise levels or professional training.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Stick to teaching the course and give the students breaks to socialize with their fellow classmates. It's best to not get involved socially with your students unless it is a classroom activity.
