Balancing Act
How do you balance the personal human side with the authoritative educational leader of the class? It is important not to be seen as a "buddy" but being personable could lead to that scenario.
Hi Michael: On the first day of class, I give an oral resume of my school and work life. I also give the chance to ask me any questions if there are things that they would like to know about me...however I do tell them that the questions need to be classroom friendly. I do not answer questions about my personal life. This usually shows that I am a real person with a real life both personal and professional. Once in a while, there are students that you may be more comfortable with and your talks may include subjects that do not relate to class. I think that is fine but I still maintain that I am the adult and authority figure and monitor the conversations just as I would in class. I have had many students tell me that they like the fact that I treat every student equally. I make it a point not to show favoritism.
Hi Michael,
Work on developing rapport with each student. They will see you from the human perspective but respect you as the educational leader. By developing rapport you are showing them respect and demonstrating your support for their success but have retained your distance from them as a teacher. The key is for them to see you as a dedicated professional but not a peer.
Gary
