Hi Marilyn,
Showing favoritism is definitely a no no. You should treat every student the same. No student is any more important than another student. It is awful when an instructor has the reputation as showing favoritism. I do not tolerate favoritism shown by instructors at my institution.
Patricai
Hi Noma,
I solely agree. Instructors really have to watch getting too close to students. Instructors should give the students the impression that the relationship is nothing more than professional.
Patricia
Hi Paul,
As educators, we must lead by example. We serve as role models for many students. Students watch our every move.
Patricia
Hi Don,
Great response! Students will certainly expect favors whenever they think you are their friend. The instructor should never give the student the impression that he/she is the student's friend.
Patricia
Maintaining a professional distance allows the instructor to be objective and fair in the treatment of students. If the instructor develops a close relationship with a student, he/she is unable to fairly evaluate that student compared to the other students. It also could cause the rest of the students to resent the instructor and feel less valued to the instructor and therefore affect student performance and motivation in the course.
You never want to show any student favoritism,other students will pick up on this right away.
It is my job as an instructor to manage a good learning atmosphere in the classroom for all students while also not showing favortism. By allowing myself to be thought of as a friend first then as an instructor would greatly jeapordize the atmosphere in the class and lab.This would be extremely unprofessional and may also open doors to where a student may ask favors of the instructor that would cross a professional line of conduct.Favors such as extra credit points, help with test questions,etc.It is alright for a student to like an instructor or to respect an instructor. However, an instructor should never befriend a student.
I lead by practical example.
Hi Paul,
Maintaining a professional distance is a must. Students should fully understand that you are their instructor and not their friend. Instructors should never give students a reason to believe that they are the student's friend.
Patricia
Hi Chad,
A line has to be drawn, and the students should not be allowed to cross the line. Boundaries must be established. The relationship between the student and the instructor should be strictly professional.
Patricia
You must remain professional distance because if you get to close to your students, the teacher/student boundaries are violated. You are setting yourself up for some potential problems. These students will then think that they can do anything in the class because they are your friend. This creates problems for everyone in the class.
As a teacher, I must be objective. To maintain that objectivity, I should behave as a peofessional and maintain professional distance.
Hi Adrian,
Yes. There is a distinct difference in the role of an instructor verses the student. The instructor should act professionally at all times so that he/she is regarded as the instructor. The student needs to stay in a student's place.
Patricia
Hi John,
I can tell you are a professional educator. You lead by example. It is obvious what professionalism means to you. You are certainly the role model we want students to potray.
Patricia
Hi Cornelius,
You are definitely on point! You have echoed my thoughts. Lead by example. We are some of our students only role model.
Patricia
Hi Carol,
As an educator, anyone should walk into the classroom and be able to distinguish who is the instructor based on one's appearance. Dress for sucess is a must. Certainly, one should look the part.
Patricia
Hello,
We must look the part - this is so true. If we dress for success, we will command greater respect.
Hello,
I agree, and once respect is lost, or not earned, it creates a climate of chaos, the feeling that no one is in charge.
Hello,
Excellent point! When we are with colleagues, there's a tendency to relax, but we must remember that students are watching us.
Hello,
Maintaining a professional image sets the boundaries between instructor and student. The instructor issues the grade and sets the policies for the class; therefore, he or she must maintain distance to uphold authority.
