Belonging
Many times students feel like they dont fit in or belong in that particular environment or group. At times its difficult, but the great thing about being a educator is that we were all students , so we ca share our pass experiences as well as present ones, to help motivate them. AT we may have to play a freind role rather than authority.
Mike, this is why getting to know your students is so critical. It does not matter if you have a new set of students every week or you see the same students for several months. The more you can build a professional and nurturing relationship with your students the more they will feel connected to your class and to the institution.
James Jackson
It is tantamount that every student feels like they belong in class. Students cant learn if they feel left out.
Mariann, being know as firm but fair will result in students respecting you even more. Being consistent will add to your credibility and being trusted by your students.
James Jackson
I agree that there will always be exceptions. When I need to confirm policies and if a certain student warrants an exception I discuss with appropriate directors and carry out action accordingly. I believe exceptions should only be made occassionally and in rare circumstances, so others as a group also do not try to request a "waiver". Also I follow the quote "firm and fair" and try to live by this as my teaching philosophy.
Mariann U
Mariann, there will always be exceptions and one size rarely fits all. The real focus is to be consistent and that tends to be where confusion sets in. Policies and regulations can account for 80% of the situations you will experience but there is always that 20% that just requires good judgement and consistent implementation. The phrase that comes to my mind is be fair but firm. Students have the responsibility to prove to you they have a rare situation that merits special attention, just because they request a "waiver" from the rules does not guarantee their request will be granted. After careful consideration and the evidence confirms that an exception is appropriate then implement that plan but always document and get feedback from your direct supervisor prior to final decisions.
James Jackson
Yes our primary job is to be an instructor not a friend to the students we teach. We need to emulate professional behavior so students will follow our examples. Students primarily out of high school with no previous job or life experiences need us as instructors not friens.We need to be firm starting on day one of orientation and carry through what we have informed to the students as the rules, without making exceptions.
Mariann U
Tracy-Ann, always remember to be fair but firm. There is a difference between being their friend and being a respected resource. Your goal as an instructor to be a respected resource. Friends allow friends to get away with shortcuts and skipping critical steps. A respected resource demonstrates why the various steps need to be followed and rules are required to ensure safety and professionalism. You can build a sense of belonging while at the same time building relationship of professional coaching. Model the way and coach to success, this is NOT something friends tend to do.
James Jackson
