Hi Debi,
Super idea. I really like the idea of using two want ads, especially the generic based one. I generally share want ads in my classes that pertain to their major. I will begin to incoporate a generic want ad as well.
Patricia
You are the instructor and they are the students. It must remain that way or else it can create a bad learning environment and endanger your position at the school.
You can quickly lose authority in the classroom if students believe you favor some students over others. It is a slippery slope if you are seen as a friend and not a teacher.
Your student will see you as a friend rather than a role-model.
The professional boundary allows a good teaching level between the student and instructor. Anything less usually causes a breach in the learning process with the student.
As an instructor in a career college, students want to know what it will be like when they go on to get a job in this profession. Maintaining the professional image is a key part of passing your expertise on to the students. Give them the opportunity to ask you questions about your career and what they can expect in their career.
I especially like to use a small group exercise using the want ads. Pick an ad for our career and one for a job that is in a different field. How are the requirements different and how are they the same. For students that may be going in a different direction after this class, they can see that some of the material in this class can be used generically for all careers. I especially use this to emphasize that they will need to be able to use Word and Excel in almost any office job they will ever apply for, so take the opportunity now to get valuable experience.
Hi Kimberly,
That's right! We must lead by example. There are many students who really look up to us.
Patricia
Hi Meighen,
Absolutely! Boundaries should be established by the instructors, and the students should not be allowed to over step the boundaries. It is the instructor's responsibility to monitor the boundaries.
Patricia
Hi Ines,
Great response! Students did not enroll for us to befriend them. They enrolled to be taught by professionals that will act as their role model and leader.
Patricia
There is a difference between being friendly and being friends. I recommend that you be friendly with your students, but not to be friends with them. Keep a "proffesional distance" between you the teacher and the student. This is specially important for new teachers. Students already have friends and in most cases they do not need you as one more. Teachers must keep in mind the primary reason for which they have been hired- to keep the learning act afloat. This is what teachers as professionals should do best.
Maintaining professional distance from students creates space to foster mutual respect. If you decrease your professional distance it is likely that you will begin to treat students like friends. Students are paying for an education, not to become friends with their instructors. If you become overly friendly with your students it is more likely that you will misuse valuable instruction time for socializing.
you need to be the instructor and not their friend at all times as well as set a good example and being the best role model possible
Thanks for your effort in making this learning experience complete.
Hi Sara,
Absolutely! They need to and want to know how they can benefit either personally/professionally or both.
Patricia
Hi Rosemarie,
You are on point! We must remember, we are some of our students only role model. They do not have a good example to follow else where.
Patricia
Hi Monica,
Absolutely! The instructor must lead by example. We are some of our students only role model.
Patricia
The instructor should set the example by always conducting him or herself in a professional manner. This examlpe encourages the student to also act accordingly.
Thus, the relationhip you have with your students should always be on a professional level and not on a buddy level. This will eliminate the instructor and the student from crossing the line.
The students need someone to look up to, sorth of like a role model. And keeping a professional image is at best for the student focus and interest.
Hi Anthony,
Distance is everything in education. Great response! A line has to be established, and students must know from the instructor not to cross the line.
Patricia
Instructors enter final grades. Final grades can cause the students to graduate on time or not. Instructors must walk above reproach. Keeping that professional distance allows the walk to remain pure and absolutely above reproach.
