Professionalism
Maintaining professionalism is important for the perception of real world interaction. I address my students with Mr./Ms. ________(last name)
I have spent my entire professional career teaching in professional schools nad medical schools - and we have always called studnet by thier first names except when in the presence of patients or after they have become doctors. The professional respect is demonstrated in the tone and not the title.
Hi James,
I hear you loud and clear! I fully understand! Great justifications as to why this is allowed. It certainly is a new day and time, and things have changed from 60 years ago. I will give you an A+ if this has worked for you, and you have not lost any respect.
Patricia
Well, I hesitate to reply to this post for fear of getting an "F." I've always addressed my students by their first names. I let the class know the first day, right after I've read them the course syllabus, that I will be calling them by their first names, and they can call me by my first name. The respect factor really doesn't enter into it, in my opinion. I try to disassociate my class from the traditional elementary school environment of 60 years ago and impart a more modern "friendly" atmosphere. I don't want to be their friend, but I want them to be comfortable with me. I run a company during the day, and I refer to my employees by their first names. I consider it a social respect, taking the bite out of me-boss, you-employee. Perhaps it doesn't or shouldn't apply to the classroom setting. Can I mitigate my F to a C+?
Hi Michael,
Perception is everything. Students feel a sense of importance whenever they are addressed by a courtesy title and their last name.
Patricia
