Because you avoid the risk of a student becoming too comfortable and overstepping boundaries. You also avoid students who don't feel as close to you thinking that you are showing preferential treatment to others.
You cannot be friends with your students. You need to maintain a professional level with them at all times, or else they will not respect you.
Hi Linda,
I like the policy your institution has a place about socializing with students. Instructors need to understand that they are professionals, and they need to lead by example. Instructors should not lower their standards to a student's level.
Patricia
Hi John,
Great response! As educators we should behave in a professional manner at all times.
Patricia
Maintaining a professional (image)demeanor is extremely important on all levels when one is in a position of authority over another.
This is necessary in order to establish and maintain conrol over the learning environment, if one were to behave in a less than professional manner then one opens the gate for escalating disruption and lack of trust within the class.
Hi Kathy,
A relationship of professionalism generates a relationship of respect. It is all in how the instructor carries him or herself.
Patricia
Hi Martha,
Our students need as many role models as possible. We need to be the professional that we want our students to become.
Patricia
Because they see you as a roll model an expert in the field.
I think they start to look at you as a friend and that changes the dynamics of the relationship. I believe in creating a relationship of respect.
An instructor is a professional and should act accordingly. A student should respect an instructor, but in return the instructor must earn that respect by being a good communicator and showing compassion for students.
On our campus there are guidelines and rules about socializing with students that must be followed or an instructor faces disciplinary action, up to, and including dismissal.
Hi Juan,
The two roles must be differentiated, otherwise respect and credibility will be lost for the instructor. The instructor needs to act as an instructor in every way.
Patricia
Hi Deborah,
That's right! Students will emulate what they see be it good or bad!
Patricia
If you don't maintain a professional image, how can you teach your students how to be professional?
To maintain a professional distance from the student is extremely important since this demeanor will inspire them respect and solidify the teacher-student roles, which is the most basic requirement to lead a successful class.
Hi Elizabeth,
Super response! We should be the professional that we want our students to become! Lead by example!
Patricia
Hi Gayle,
I do not care how you look at it, having a friendship with a student is totally wrong. You certainly mentioned some great points.
Patricia
Hi Vanessa,
We are the examples our students will emulate in the workplace. Let's be effective examples and lead in every way professionally.
Patricia
Hi Lamarr,
If you carry yourself professionally in all areas, students gain respect for you.
Patricia
So that your students respect your position as an instructor. Students need to respect your position from the start to the end of the course. Without that respect students will not see a point to doing the required work you request to pass the course.
To remain neutral to all students (so as some students don't feel favored over others) It also helps to set boundries and establish respect
