too much repport
sometimes i develop too much of a repport with my students, and they start to treat me more like a peer than an authority figure.
i agree its very important to keep that line in place because it is so easy to go beyond that and end up in the gray area you have to stay mindful on whats going on and how it is viewed.
Sonya,
Good way to find balance with your students. This way you and your students are comfortable with the relationship that has been established and rapport that has been developed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is easy to do, especially if you genuinely care about the students. I usually remind students from time to time what my goal and purpose is as their instructor. Just to let them know that I do genuinely care for them but I also want to maintain a professional relationship with them.
Kayla,
When I have a situation like this I limit the time I will spend with such students. I explain that to be fair to the other students I am only going to be able to spend five minutes with them one day a week or something like that. Then I tell them that since the time is limited they need to think carefully about exactly what they want to talk with me about. This generally takes care of the problem. These types of students need the constant reinforcement of their learning leader so they become dependent on having a conversation with the instructor each class meeting. If the excuses are real to the point they are impacting the success of the student I then refer them to the Student Assistance Office and they either go there or they drop making the excuses.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
What do you suggest for a student that constantly has an excuse or issue that they need to discuss with me. I try to show some empathy but I don't want the other students to think I am favoring this student?
Nicole,
You make a good point. The human factor in teaching is essential and it needs to be a part of each interaction we have with students. We are in the people business after all.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I often have the same issue. I had it more when I was new too teaching. I had a program director once tell me they would want an instructor who cared too much over one who is indifferent any day of the week.
Yes, Wendy,
By not keeping a proper balance, one actually does a disservice to the student and the entire class (and academia for that matter).
Wendy,
Right you are. Rapport is the development of a professional relationship with a student that is built upon mutual respect.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think we need to be mindful about how we develop rapport - it isn't the same as becoming friends with the students.
Stephanie,
It is easy to do and something that we have to guard against as we interact with students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
