Ironic
I just got dome with a class where I opened myself up to a degree and shared an example of vulerability. I shared about the Psychological term of countertransference where it is possible for a therapist to develop an attraction to theoir clients. I shared that everyone can fall to this unless they have accountability. This meant alot to the students understanding that we are not Gods but human beings
Hi Patria,
You make a number of very good points about how instructors need to establish their professional distance from students. This doesn't mean that you can't display your human side or interact in a social way with your students in class, but it does mean that you have to always retain your role as an instructor when dealing with the students.
Gary
This is a really great reminder that we are all human, and that students need to realize that, too. I am a young instructor, and I find that I have to be very deliberate about my interactions with my students. As a human, I would probably be pretty good friends with some of my past and former students, but it is crucial not to cross a certain line and keep a professional relationship with students - most people think of this with more personal relationships, but I often struggle with the friendship aspect. Especially in the world of Facebook and blogs, it is important to keep a professional relationship with students, but to also share with them the reasons for doing so at a professional level.
I agree ... I would like some clarification.
I am confused, is your friend a student? or was this in a business setting? either way it is completely inappropriate. Our students learn we are human by being good-natured and caring, not by overhearing us tell our friends that they are sexy. In this day in age we have to be so careful about the ears around us. Although your description is rather confusing, if it was anywhere where a student heard you, then I agree with them writing you up.
Once, many years ago, I got in trouble for sexual harassment. Not really, but I got wrote up because I told one of my friends in a joking way that she looked sexy that day. Someone over heard and didn't like that I, as a female, called another female "sexy" (even though she and I joke like that all of the time and had been friends for 9 years). It taught me a lesson and I am not afraid to share that with my students. I agree that it does let them know we are "real" and "human". We are not perfect and often learn a lot when we mess up so we should use that as teaching tools when necessary.
Hi Stephen,
The research field of emotional intelligence is one that is rapidly growing because it is so important to success in the workplace. By showing we are human our students can gain more insight into how they can develop as professionals in concert with their personality and emotions. This was a good way to give them this insight.
Gary
