Hi Ronda,
You're welcome! When my students dress, I dress too. Students love it whenever their instructor participates as well. This is a great way to lead by example.
Patricia
Patricia, that is a great idea. I constantly have students who fail to follow the school's dress code with every excuse to back up why he/she failed to follow the rules. I wanted to think of a way to eliminate this problem. If I made it a requirement for the students to dress professionally on a certain day then this may work! I would have to lead by example of course! Thank you for the idea!
One thing I thought of while reading this section, though not mentioned in the module, is the objectivity in grading. For the instructor to be a "friend" to students would allow human nature to possibly creep into the grading process and the instructor may be more lenient than he/she should. Especially when it comes to grading essays or term papers.
According to the lesson, students really want to view their instructor/professor as someone who is professional and not a friend.
We have a strict policy at our school. Instructors are not allowed to associate with students outside of the classroom. We can say "Hello" to them in the hall but that's about it. For example, we are not allowed to eat at the same table with them either on campus or off. If there is a field trip, no student is allowed to ride with the instructor. Some very good faculty members have been fired for violating this policy even though it was very innocent.
Authority is key, gaining respect initially is important... first impressions are ever lasting!
Kelly, your response is succinct and to the point. This makes a great deal of sense.
Hi Justin,
I concur! Professionalism should always be upheld. Students look up to us to help develop them professionally.
Patricia
Hi Dianne,
Students need and want the instructor to take full control of the class. Students have way too much invested to have to tolerate disruptions from others. It is the instructor's responsibility to manage the classroom effecively.
Patricia
As the leader of the class it is important to set a professional model for all to follow. You are the authoritative source for the knowledge that is to be gained in the class but your repore, delivery and professionalism are the things that will help you get the subject across. If you give away you professionalism it will take a long time to gain it back.
The need of this concise boundary allows for respect on both sides, student to teacher as well as teacher to student. When the boundary is laid on the first day of class, then there is no question to the role of each, and thus a professional repoire is established immediately.
I don't believe students are seeking knew friends when they enrolled in school, they already have plenty of them...they are, however, seeking an instructor that they can trust to present the material in a clear and concise manner, with the professional boundaries necessary to achieve success to each student.
Hi Martha,
What an awesome response! We really do set the stage for professionalism. Our students look up to us in many ways. I do not agree with instructors allowing their students to call them by their first name. I totally agree with you that instructors should be addressed by a courtesy title and their last name, this is just a sense of respect. The students see this as putting you on a higher level; there is a separation.
Patricia
Students are enrolled in the course to learn. They expect an authority figure, a teacher, and I believe it is my responsibility to fulfill that expectation. It is a strategy that facilitates class management as well.
Hi Adam,
Even adult students will take full advantage of you, if you allow them to. Take control and lead and instruct.
Patricia
Hi Shantae,
Professionalism is a term where one is held to very high standards. Never let your guards down because you never know who is watching you.
Patricia
Hi Veronica,
As an instructor you have to grow tough skin. Some students will take full advantage of you if they learn you are a softie.
Patricia
Hi Cliff,
What do you do to show a professional image? I make sure to dress and act the parts of a professional.
Patricia
Hi Pamela,
Looking and explemifying the part are extremely important. Students watch us closely as educators, therefore we should demonstrate professionalism at all times.
Patricia
Hi Christina,
Have fun outside of school, but always know that you could possibly run into one of your current or former students.
Patricia
Hi Robert,
Students should never feel they are the same level as the instructor. It should be displayed in the actions that students are not on the same level as the instructors.
Patricia
Hi Mary Jane,
You have it! We must be the professional that we want our students to be.
Patricia
Being professional in and outside of the classroon is vitally important
