common instructor mistakes
I believe that when an instructor spends valuable class time to talk about his/her personal problems he/she is being unprofessional & losing sight of why the students are here for.
Hi Ryan,
I firmly believe that the classroom is not the place to discuss one's personal life. The classroom should be a place for learning, thus strictly business/professional.
Patricia
Sharing personal problems are a drag on the students. However, if you use it in a joking fashion, it could build rapport with your students depending on what age they are to go along with the situation.
Hi Robert,
I do not allow my students to discuss racial issues either. The topics you mentioned along with the one I've mentioned are way too opinionated. Respect is everything.
Patricia
one thing you never do is to discuss religion and politics. People become very passionate and opinionated and do not want others to change their mind (That is if it is not a political science class). It is ok to disagree but we must all respect each others opinions.
Hi Toufik,
How unprofessional to share your personal problems with students. Students have enough problems of their own; we do not need to burden them with our personal problems. Most students can care less about our problems; they want to learn.
Patricia
