Maintaining a professional distance from students is an important part of class management because it sets the tone for the class. It is important for an instructor to establish himself/herself as an authority figure on the first day of class by having the students address the instructor by Mr., Mrs, Ms. or Doctor. Instructors establish the boundaries not the students. It is vital for an instructor to be aware of his/her professional communication for example, body language, attitude, professional email etiquette, verbal language and humor. Maintaining a professional relationship with the students helps the instructor remain objective in assessing the student's class performance. Demonstrating professionalism will help us as instructors to hold students accountable for misbehavior and being disrespectful. Establishing professional distance and boundaries will help the instructor be consistent with his/her actions and grading. The ethical behavior of an instructor should be approachable, fair, firm, and genuine. Instructors should also demonstrate active listening skills and leadership skills but should not become overly involved with students and their personal problems. Also, conveying a postive and mature attitude will help students perceive the instuctor as the authority figure. Instructors should read the college policies and exercise caution to help balance the obligations of being an instructor.
Hi Melissa,
As instructors, we should make our students feel as comfortable as possible. If a student feels uncomfortable with you, they will have trouble communicating with you.
Patricia
Every instructor should maintain a professional image at all times. We are the role models for our students.
Teaching appropriate touch in a clinical setting is very important. Everyone needs to demonstrate professionalism at all times.
Hi Cindy,
Great response! It is only fair to treat all students the same. Students will respect you more knowing that you do not show favortisim.
Patricia
Hi Jonathan,
I am happy to know that you are teaching your students the appropriate touch in a clinical setting. It appears you demonstrate professionalism to your students. We must lead by example.
Patricia
While it is very important to build and maintain a good rapport with students, an instructor has to maintain the position of class leader. In that role which involves evaluation, objectivity is vital. Also, just as important, your goal is inspire and motivate student growth...if the students sense they are already at your professional level, it is a demotivator.
I agree that a professional dress and attitude at all time are very important even when out with friends and family. You never know who you will run into outside of class and where. However we are all humans and we need to let our hair down and have fun just remembering we have a reputaion to uphold while doing this is inmportant.
Hi Phillip,
What do you typically do to display a professional image?
Patricia
Maintaining a professional image helps maintain a balanced relationship between yourself and your students, and gaining respect in the process. Dress and act the part.
We for sure do not want to give students the impression that we are providing favortism to other students.
Hi Siane,
Students look up to us as their role models. We must lead by example and act professional at all times. We are being watched by our students.
Patricia
Hi Marge,
I like your outlook and your whole thought process. I can tell you serve as a great role model for your students. A lot of our students learn professionalism from us.
Patricia
Hi Julie,
Most of our students learn professional behavior from us, therefore we must lead by example.
Patricia
Hi Elizabeth,
Instructors must draw the line. Students need to stay in their respective places. The student/teacher relationship should be strictly classroom based.
Patricia
As humans we typically care about our students and what they go threw but at times our students will use that to there advantage. So to maintain our professional image,it is okay to care but do the same for everyone.
Instructors will always have students looking at them. Maintaining professionalism at all times will help in situations that are uncomfortable.
It will set the tone for the behavior that is necessary for success in the real world. Professionalism can make or break business opportunities.
because you want your students to respect you for your knowledge and your skill in the field you are teaching. you don't want to be on the same level as your students because they will walk all over you.
Hi Leslie,
You mean to tell me instructors really have time to socialize during breaks? It is all I can do to take a breather and get ready to get started again.
Patricia
