Instructors Mistakes
Instructor to often try to have friendships with there students It becomes a conflict and students lose respect for the instructor so there is no learning.
Hi Monica,
I agree! Students have their role and instructors have their role. The instructor should always lead by example and demonstrate to the students how to act professionally.
Patricia
Let the students know what they can expect from you, let them also know what is expected from them. It is possible to be friendly and concerned without being friends.
Hi Michael,
Great analogy! I agee whole heartedly! We must distinguish the difference between being friendly and being a friend. I am very friendly with my students, but I do not befriend them. I am the instructor, and they are the student.
Patricia
There is a big difference between being friendly and being a friend. Students deserve to be treated in a friendly manner, but professionalism must be maintained. It is much like raising children...you must maintain the child/parent relationship rather than trying to be their friend.
Hi Shari,
We need to hold on to the respect our students give us, by leading by example.
Patricia
Its inportant that we do not allow that to happen We then lose their respect
Hi Virginia,
I concur! The minute they know that you are soft, they will run all over you. Make a firm presence on Day 1 so that they will know from the beginning that you are all about business.
Patricia
I've found the best way to start a class is to be all nuts and bolts and then lighten up after a couple of weeks. The secret is never let them see the real pussycat you are until the very end.
Hi Valerie,
Students will sometimes cross the line, you cannot allow students to over step their boundaries. Students need to stay in their place as students. The student/teacher relationship should be strictly about business.
Patricia
I can see where this problem could come up: If you are well liked, students sometimes cross that line and try to be friends.
Hi Shari,
Big mistake, never befriend your students. Keep the relationship strictly professional.
Patricia
