This demonstrates the appropriateness of professionalism in the workplace
We must present ourselves as professionals and be professional in the classroom It is all about earning and maintaining respect
Hi william,
Absolutely! Do not mix instructing with befriending.
Patricia
Image is not just at work but it is every time you step out of your home.I purpose myself to always dress and respond to others in stores and around the community in a professional way. I don't know who is listening or looking. As professionals we are responsible for educating others and part of education is demonstration.
Staying professional will prevent students from thinking that your going to be their best friend or preventing other students from thinking their may be an inapropriate relatiionship going on.
It also sets a clear message on who is over all responsible and in charge of the classroom
Professional distance is important in maintaining student respect. A professional image and behavior in the classroom can be undone in a moment of "partying" with students. If you are perceived as a friend, rather than a professional who is in charge in the classroom, students may think that the rules of conduct and assignment deadlines don't apply to them because of your friendship. It could also open the door to allegations of favoritism, or worse.
Do you ever think it is okay to speak with students regarding your family, just simple items such as my daughter plays basketball, or my plans for break are to go to the beach?
Hi Kristin,
Respect is the utmost important in a student/teacher relationship. We are not in the profession to win a popularity contest, we are there to educate in order to change lives for the better.
Patricia
I think it's easier to answer this if you think about what will happen to your professional image if you have not maintained a professional distance. Students just won't see you as a professional, nor will they respect or really buy in to what you are teaching.
It is very important that your students respect you. If they like you because they think you are fun, they can loose respect for you. Being professional at all lines and never crossing the line with the student/teacher relationship is key.
I am always careful of how I present myself both in dress and the way I conduct myself while lecturing or speaking with the students. This is very important since students are constantly seeking reassurance that you are credible and integrid. One way to reassure, is to always conduct yourself appropriately. If you allow these walls to break down, students will also develop these bad behaviors and your ability to manage the classroom will faulter. Also, you are preparing them for the world of work, you must lead by example.
Boundaries are very important in society, and interestingly, the best professors know when to break the boundaries (such as becoming a co-learner) and when to maintain the boundaries (as in the concept of classroom management). Maintaining that distance at the proper times reminds the students of everybodies role within the learning environment, and also prepares them for the roles and relationships that they will fill in the professional world.
Hi Winsome,
In the classroom, it is strictly business. Students do not need to get to know us on a personal level. Keep it strictly business.
Patricia
Hi Terry,
We as educators must do more than just teach the subject matter as you mentioned, work relationships must be taught as well. We must lead by example in everything we do.
Patricia
Hi Annette,
We have to be our students biggest cheerleaders, but we must maintain our professionalism.
Patricia
Hi Kelli,
Yes, you have to shoot from a different direction. Your professionalism comes through via communicating by computer.
Patricia
Hi Emily,
Students should not be allowed to cross the line. Boundaries must be established. Each person has a role. The student needs to stay in their place.
Patricia
Hi Francis,
A judgement call should be made based on the circumstance; it should not be made on whether you like or dislike the student. I know this happens, but it is so unfair.
Patricia
Hi B.,
I teach Professional Development, and my students are required to dress every Thursday as if they are going to an interview. I participate and dress every Thursday as if I am going to an interview. It is very important to lead by example.
Patricia
My students are required to be well groomed in their school uniform. I think it is important that I lead by example and follow the dress code while in uniform.
I think the biggest reason is so that the instructor can remain objective. It is too easy to give the students the benefit of the doubt if we have developed inappropriate relationships. When making a judgement call, it is easy to be swayed by whether we do or do not like someone. By maintaining a good, professional distance, it is possible to remain objective.
