Maintaining a professional distance from students is an important part of class management for several reasons.First,when the line between instructor and student is blurred, the student may view the instructor as a "friend" and expect different or special treatment.Secondly, the instructor may begin to feel an obligation to treat the student differently and become uncomfortable with his role as an instructor.
Hi David,
Instructors should never give students a reason to believe that they have favorites. Every student should be treated the same. The instructor/student buddy system is a big no no.
Patricia
Maintaining a professional distance is important when attempting to set boundaries with your students. If get too close to them or become their buddy you run the risk of losing your credability in regards to being fair and impartial. Students may complain that because you are buddies with certain students that they get better treatment and as a result better grades.
Hi Sue,
Great response! Professionalism pertains to many different areas that we as educators must be concerned with. You mentioned some good points.
Patricia
A professional image is so important. This includes not only our speech,showing maturity,respect, but also our appearance. Looking professional, sets an examples for our students.
Hi Troy,
Students like it, appreciate it, and respect the instructor even more whenever the instructor addresses the student by Mr. or Ms.
Patricia
by treating the class with respect they will in turn give you respect back, by doing little things like calling them Mr.or Miss Smith. we need to be professional at all times even when away from the school because as a employee of whatever school u work at you are representing the school where ever you are so allways keep it professional
troy dries
Instructors should always present a professional image. Students will respect them much more (in and out of the classroom) and respond in a much more positive way than instructors that try to be a buddy or friend. Instructors should set always set themselves apart from the students.
Hi Dan,
Absolutley, students EXPECT us to act as professionals. A lot of our students really do need positive role models.
Patricia
I believe this is what the students expect. They need that authority figure to have someone to look to for guidance. They need to know that your a proffesional and in charge.
Hi John,
Students generally look up to you and respect you when you act professionally. When students lose respect for you, you've lost credibility.
Patricia
Hi Nancy,
You never get a chance to make another first impression. Your first impression is very crucial. Walk in the first day and make a presence. Let your students know you have it all together.
Patricia
Hi Mark,
I like the idea! You are right, you must lead by example. Students really appreciate the mentorship from instructors verses the friendship.
Patricia
Hi James,
Nicely responded to! There are two totally distinct roles, and you summed them up!
Patricia
This is important so that you can maintain your credibility in all facets of conducting your class. Students will recognize that you are being fair and impartial when reviewing their work, that each assignment is being scored without bias for the actual work they are producing.
It is important students respect you as an educator. An educator-student relationship requires an understanding of each party's' role: the educator to provide his/her expertise and assist the student on a career path and the student to receive the knowledge provided by the educator and develop the knowledge to attain career goals.
At my institution our students are actually graded on their professionalism and a student can fail the course if their grade falls below 70%. I’ve always felt that if I’m going to grade a student on professionalism then my professionalism must be above reproach at all times. I’ve found that most students want me to be their mentor and not their friend.
to maintain respect and professionalism.
YOur first impresion is crucial.it will determine the repect and attention you get from your students. Look professional, know your subject area and let your expectations be known on that first day.
Hi Allina,
Respect in the workplace is a MUST just as it is in the classroom.
Patricia
