As Instructors and professors, we are managers of our class, leaders and as well as role models to our students. And for this reasons we must maintain professional image. We must prepare very well before we go to the class so that we don’t undermine our trust as educators.
Maintaining a professional distance from students is essential to maintaining respect between the student and the instructor. In addition, students are generally enrolled in the class in order to learn. With that said, most students have two goals in mind when attending a course, they are to learn the subject matter and earn good grades. As a result, when professionalism is employed in a classroom setting, effective student learning will most likely be achieved.
Maintaining a professional image is essential as a professor for many reasons. As you build a relationship with your students, there is a line that can never be crossed. If you try to connect with students on their level–in a peer-to-peer-like friendship–then your efforts to influence their behavior will backfire.
A. They won't respect you
B. They will stop listening to you
C. They will challenge you
D. Rules will no longer apply
E. Consequences are taken personally
I try to make sure my students laugh and enjoy coming to class. I am a younger instructor so I can relate and understand some of the students' issues. New students will try to test me because they see me as a younger instructor. Quickly they realize that there is that line and we all have boundaries.
It's true that the professor cannot be the friend. Once on a friend level, it changes even as far as assignments go. The instructor may tend to be 'less critical' about a work since there's a friendship going on.
It really is important to maintain a professional level at all times--never get 'too cozy' with students, or tell them too much about your personal life. Even though you may be just trying to say that you can relate to problems.
And also on a professional level because that is where the respect we seek (more than being liked) will come from.
I think this includes what we wear--non-verbal communication says we'll be perceived as what we are by what we wear. There's a great story that involves Bobby Darin and his wife Sandra Dee. Bobby had pretty much dropped out of the early pop song business, even though he had written hit after hit after hit...he has some incredible number of songs he wrote during his lifetime. He started writing protest songs, and came back to play at the old stages, the old audiences. But this time it was the new Bobby Darin, dressed in hippie style clothes, sporting beads and such. They didn't like 'this Bobby', and booed him off stage. He couldn't figure out what it was...Sandra told him, "Bobby, people hear what they see..." He put on the three piece suit, his trademark style, and went on to wow the audiences once again, the protests song suddenly very acceptable. So, it is true that the way we dress also speaks to maintaining a professional image.
You need to give the students space, it is very intimidating when a teacher is standing over you. It also helps students not feel there is favoritism in the class
I think this is important because we are there to teach the students and earn their respect. We are not there to be there friend. There is a fine line that has to be maintained.
Hi Christopher,
Students should have boundaries. It is never good to have a personal relationship with students. This can cause way too many problems.
Patricia Scales
Hi Kathy,
I agree! All stories should be applicable to the lesson/subject matter. Instructional time should not be wasted on unrelated class topics.
Patricia Scales
It is very important to uphold a professional image. This image has change greatly since I had gone to college. Educators were more open to the students and got involved with his/her problems. But now it is best to distence onself but not to the extent that we appear cold and uncaring to the situation.
It maintains a level of respect and it also keeps the illusion of favorites down. There is nothing wrong with sharing a personal story with the class, provided it is relevant to the material and doesn't take the place of instruction time.
Hi Samuel,
Students frown upon favoritism, and we should treat all students the same.
Patricia Scales
It shows that you do not show favortism. It also keeps the class under control plus it will help students realize that you are a respectable individual.
Once an instructor crosses the line to become friends, students will not respect the instructor. If the instructor "Friend" tries to discipline, it may not work. instead may backfire. I would rather have the respect of my students and know I have done my best as an instructor.
I think being a professional on all levels is very important because it sets an example for the student(s) to look up to. If they believe that you are professional they will respect you more as an individual and a teacher.
I believe it is important because by doing so it allows you as an instructor to remain unbiased towards your students should a situation arise that needs your involvement.
Hi Ob,
Absolutely! The instructor/student should have a relationship that is only professional in nature.
Patricia Scales
Hi Jason,
It is simple, be friendly to students but do not befriend them.
Patricia Scales
If you act as a friend or become friends with a student , you then step out of the box as instructor and start letting things slide, whereas if you maintain your teacher\student relationship you maintain your professional status.
I think its important because at any point in the semester your students needs can change, and when you maintain that distance it will be easier for you the instructor to change your style accordingly to meet and manage what they are going through. Also the professional distance creates an enviroment of an even playing field, students will easily pick up on the buddy buddy effect and might get offended or feel like there is favortism happening which is a disaster in the making.
