Respecting your students as human beings
There are times in the teachers lounge that you can hear teachers talking about students as if they are something less than human. I need to reject that way of thinking and respect students for the unique people that they truly are.
I remember as a grad student reading the faculty/grad student listserv, and finding professors laughing at mistakes students made. It made me feel uneasy as their student--after all, I didn't want to make a similar mistake. That experience gave me greater sensitivity regarding my own students' fears, and how important it is for me to make the learning process a safe one for them. I want them to feel accepted and supported, since it makes the learning process much easier.
While I appreciate that faculty need to "blow off some steam" at times, we should remember that these are individuals that are being discussed, not a number. It's hard for folks to have this type of attitude behind doors, and then walk into a classroom without at least some of it crossing over.
I agree that students are humans who want and deserve respect. You have some students that no matter have much respect you give them they still disrepect you and the other students. Than maybe it could be their background or social skills that you have to see through and try to understand them. Because I also believe that all students who take the steps to pursue education are well motivated some just take a litter longer to get the motivation that they need to succeed.
Hi Marigrace,
Good point. It is sad that most of us have such an instructor. The good news is that most of us have also had some fantastic instructors that motivated and challenged us to be successful.
Gary
Well, we were once students. Remember when we were in the class of a "terror" instructor? Most of the students drop the subject right away.
Hi Kelly,
Good comments on how to bring the social aspect of career development into your class. Your students do need this type of experience because as you say they are going to encounter a diverse group of people when they go into the workplace.
Gary
I have experienced hearing other instructors talk about students like they are not important members of society but we need to remember without our students we would not have jobs. Each student matters and can add value to class. When students have issues with other students I remind them that in their career they are going to have to deal with fellow employees with whom they do not get along just like they may not get along with fellow students. I try to remind students that each person has strenghts and weaknesses.
I agree with you absolutely. Students can feel that they are not respected, the feeling will come through like strong perfume that is offensive.
Hi Jaime,
You got that right. These attitudes can spread to "infect" the total delivery and teaching process. This is unfortunate for both the students and the instructor because no one is going to be happy.
Gary
These type of instructors are like cancer. There view on students reflect their connection with the students. If your heart has negative feelings, it influence your brain, then your body does the action.
Hi Joy,
Excellent point that instructors need to always keep in their mind as they talk to other instructors. Things will come back to haunt you.
Gary
True... but the human side of teaching means that we do need to vent to each other. I try to be conscientious of where and when I vent as well as to whom.
Hi Dorothy,
I have dismissed such students from class after I consulted with the Student Services office. When a student disrupts the learning of others then he/she has given up the right to be in the class. Dismissal only occurs after consultation with the student, one on one discussions to make sure everything has been done help the student to be successful.
Gary
I try to show respect to all my fellow instructors and all students at the school, but what do you do when a students disrespects you and other students no matter how much respect they are shown.
Above all else, students are humans who want and deserve respect. I would form my own judgments. Regardless of their background or experience or skill level, all students deserve respect. I believe all students who take the step to pursue education are well motivated. I think Module 2 does a good job to focus on the importance of this aspect.
Respect is so important in an instructor/student relationship. Your students will not respect you if you do not first respect them. I often tell anyone who will listen that I came to Harrison College to teach, but what I have learned has been even more important. Our students come to us with life experience. They are here to better themselves, and to learn skills to apply to a new career. What they bring with them, good or bad can be used as examples to prove a point during elctures or discussions. In regards to the negative comments regarding students, I am sure that we have all done this before without even r ealizing it. We should attempt to keep this professional in nature. It takes eleven positives to counteract one negative. This is important to remember.
Bonnie
Hi Tim,
I call these types of instructors "lounge lizards". They are "preying" on the students by talking about them.
You are right to avoid them. You don't need to hear that kind of talk. Keep your positive attitude and focus on your students and as a result you will have more "ah-ha" moments from them.
Gary
