When I worked in industry, people who got promoted to supervision always had the problem of "distance." In a way, they had always promised themselves that they would never turn their backs on the support workers. However, as soon as they were promoted, the support workers wrote them off as one of them. They expected the new suprvisor to act differently, partly out of the "us against them" culture. In fact, the supervisor was promoted because management saw the potential in him or her to step up. This is leadeship, and it can be learened.
I am a male Instructor "of a certain age." I think, perhaps, I have aged through the need to "befriend" students. They are not paying for me to be their friend.
At the same time, there is value in understanding their vocabulary, their values, their rituals, etc. This offers an opportunity for "harmony," a productive relationship.
I also came back to education after many years in team oriented corporations where I came to value that performance ethic.
Atour college, we have a very strict non-fratenization policy, and while I have forged frienships with former students after their graudation, I was never tempted to cross that divide earlier. I have only seen bad come of it.
I have not had the experience of students talking to me as if they were my peers. When they say they want to be treated as "equals," they mean they want to be treated as people; that is a different experience than many of them had in high school.
On the first day of class, I tell them I owe them respect, and once they agree that this is a given, I ask them just how they want me to manifest respect.
Maintaining a professional distance from students allows for you to be able to "earn" respect from your class as a whole. But not so much distance to where the students feel disconnected from you and that you dont care about them succeeding.
In my school, many of the instructors have an inherent advantage: we dress in our chef whites, with tall toques designed to inspire respect. We represent our students aspirations. Conversely, this puts an added burden on our academic instructors who do not wear chef whites.
Maintaining a professional distance from students will give the students proper boundries and give them a good example of how to act professionally in a work setting.
Professionalism shows a level of respect and students will not violate your position. Being too personal with students will leave room for too much personal interaction. Students will being to talk to you as if they are your peers!!!
If the instructor remains perfessional in alof his interactions--this decreases the chance of getting roles confused.
There is a lot of emphasis here on the professional "look."
Professionalism goes a lot deeper. I think it helps to convey a sense of self-possession and seriousness of purpose. This comes easilt for some and is probably learned over time. However, if Instructor shares quality materials, presents handsome PowerPoints, demonstrates a variety of approaches, s/he will earn the professional perception.
First impressions are HUGE. This determines the respect you will get from the students. They want to know you are prepared and that you want them to succeed!!
you do not want be seen as a buddie to students this takes away from your position as an instructor.
I appriciate Kym's suggestion of holding the space for the student. Letting them explore the options for solutions seems a more effective
teaching technique.
Personally I do my best growing when someone is listening without directing my thoughts.
Dixie has expressed a defination of a professional very well. It is easy enough to listen to a students problems but more difficult not to allow these problems to become excuses.
By helping the student to assume the burden and prioritize the solutions we are mentoring professionalism.j
I find this more difficult when the student is angry.
rebecca
In addition to maintaining the professional student-teacher relationship, some students may misperceive you as a buddy or a good friend. Maintaining a professional distance will undoubtedly help avoiding these issues.
Being professional allows for optimal educating. Personal lives and negative outlooks should be left behind. Students need to be able to respect their educator as a boss or manager in a workplace.
On day 1, I tell my students that they are not to make personal negative comments as the classroom is a postive environment. All students should enjoy coming to class and learning, so I don't allow negativity in my classroom. Stating this from day 1 has made for a more postive and productive learning environment. I also don't have a problem with it.
If you respect your students they will in turn respect you. You are the role model and should act the part in and out of the classroom.
Hi Paul,
A medium point is key. Some instructors can not determine the medium point, therefore becoming too friendly with students or becoming unapproachable.
Patricia
Hi Timothy,
How have you experienced that proximity makes the student nervous?
Patricia
Avoid the image of favoritism. Insure an atmosphere of fairness. Professional distance should not mean aloofness or untouchable. If one appears too distant or superior, then the students will not feel free to approach you with questions or class problems. I've found that finding a medium point can vary from student to student.
Hi Grace,
Students lose respect for instructors when they are regarded as one of their peers. You must watch your relationship with students, and keep it strictly professional.
Patricia
