One quarter that I knew I had been "too friendly"
That particular quarter, I had been just too relaxed in the classroom. I had the worst time with one class because they just didn't take me or deadlines seriously. It was very frustrating, but I did realize that I created my own problem. Yeah, it was fun to laugh and joke, but just not worth it!
Hi Megan,
Very tactful way to handle such situation. I have found with me it is just the opposite. Students enjoy having me numerous times for various classes, but they let the firt timers know that I am stickler for policies, and I don't play. I try to make the first timers real comfortable and at ease after a remark as such is made so that I can develop rapport with the first timers.
Patricia
On a similar note, I have found that even if I have maintained a professional boundary with students in a past class, if they take another class with me because they liked me, sometimes they assume that because there is familiarity and rapport that there is more leeway for them on attendance, deadlines, etc.
This is always disappointing when you knew them before as good students, but that doesn't mean they aren't good students, they are human and just need to be reminded of those expectations.
On the first day of class, I will state that it is nice to see so many familiar faces and to know they are familiar with my policies and expectations. I will even politely say that it is important for those "veterans" of my classes to remember that just because they may be familiar with me, they are still held to the same standards and they need to be good examples for the other new students who may be in their first semester.
I found that when I started doing this, it not only resolved that issue, but garnered respect from my new students that I wouldn't be favoring anyone.
This happened to me during my first quarter as being an instructor. I created a small mayhem because I was not taken seriously and the students thought he or she could turn in homework at any time or make up a quiz at their convenience since they felt like we were buddies. I learned very quickly!
Hi Annette: I totally understand about what you have written.
I was a New instructor about 6 years ago, and in one of my classes in PN program I had difficulty having students to follow rules regarding Class Discipline ie: Being On-Time, Not socializing in the class hours, and Dress Codes. I went back and evaluated my communication toward students and I realized that "I was too friendly!"
However, I found out that Older Adult Learners in my class were much more easier to discipline that younger students who had not had the Mental Shift from High school to Career College.
I have been guilty of being "too friendly" with my students before. I discovered that some of my students did not respect me but liked that they liked me as a person instead of a professional instructor.
To cure this problem, I had to totally change the way handled the classes for the next quarter. I implemented a clear set of classroom expectations, guidelines, and classroom procedures.
I still have laughs and short conversations about subject material that is off the class subject, but I keep it professional and short. I find that my students like this structure and that they still take the class seriously as a professional student.
Hi Annette,
I'm sorry that happened to you, but at least you learned from the error. On the first day of class, I tell my students that they will learn alot, but there is room for laughter because I want a relaxed environment. I don't want to have the atmosphere so stiff and stuffy that the students don't feel they can be themselves. I tell them we have the responsibility of making learning fun. So we learn and we laugh. Thank goodness, all of my students have been receptive to that formula.
