I want my students to like me
I guess I was living in a dream because I wanted all my students to like me I was nice and open and made myself easy to reach for all my students. I remained professional at the same time! But when my end of the clinic surveys came back not everyone was happy with my bubblie smile and chipper mood each day! It hurt my feelings some but this course has helped me.
I too wanted all my students to like me in the beginning. But after the first time I had a student crying in my office over a bad grade from uncompleted work, I realized I can't be their friend and their instructor at the same time.
I am learning that too.
I have a class full of apple polishers, and it has taken me a minute to see that to a large degree, I am being manipulated. I also noticed that when I pulled back the "friendliness" and began trying to reinvent myself as someone in a position of authority... it is much harder to come back than it is to just stay there in the first place.
Be a TEACHER first.
Thomas-
I agree. Respect is the key word here. Sometimes we get caught up in hoping students like us, as that is important to some individuals. Also, the end of term surveys are read by management, so if you get low scores on the surveys, a 'red flag' may go up. While some instructors are more popular than others, you never want to receive unacceptably low survey scores.
having students respect you is better than them liking you. not every one in life is going to like you for any given reason but that is just a part of life. I feel that when someone respects you they will listen to what you have to say and they will take you opinion into consideration instead of just not doing nothing because they don't like you.
I too, am a chipper and likeable teacher...and I find that only hurts me if I am not able to manage the classroom "well". Some groups of students are easy; others more difficult, but as long as I stay prepared, organized and OVER prepare (just in case...), I rarely have a problem. The students naturally like you when you give them what they need....clarity of expections and quality information that answers the WIIFM question.
I have found that students liking me over respectiing me is a not the prefered option.
You can't please everyone. All of your students have a completely different life outside of school. Just be professional and don't let your emotions get in the way. Act as is if your students are your subordinate employees and they'll respect you which will have a better outcome than being friends with your students.
