New Instructor
When I became a new instructor, I had issues with wanting students to like me versus having them respect me. I realized soon that having that respect is much more important because they are able to see that no matter the relationship I had with them, I was fair with all the students and treated them the way they expected to be treated. I think that helped a lot with the students that weren't very open to me as a new instructor initially, but later warmed to me.
I was also worried about this in my first class. I had 3 different students complain to my superiors that my class was too challenging. After the first exam, we had teacher evaluations and I graded very high. I learned that even though they didn't like me, they respected my ability to challenge them and teach them.
Rory, I agree due to the fact I am still a student myself pursuing my (PhD)and my students keep me focus on the main things in class.
Hi Cynthia,
A new instructor has to make a strong presence on Day 1 especially, but every day is important as well. Students must know their boundaries.
Patricia Scales
I also struggle with this but I do believe you can have it both ways, just don't push the boundaries.
I too have struggled with this question first as a grad student and now as a teacher. In grad school, I remember being disappointed that in our very tight-knit program (3 faculty, 8 students) there was not more of a friendly spirit. I know my classmates also felt the same way. Now that I teach, I appreciate the "barrier" I had with my former professors. Certainly, at times they felt distant, but I realize now it was only to ensure my success, and keep me focused on the main thing they were trying to provide me with: an education. As I teach now, I still find myself wanting the students to "like" me - laugh at my jokes, engage in some conversation before and after class, those small personal experiences that let people know you care about them, ad hopefully the other way around. There has to be a limit to all that, though, and sometimes as an instructor, I feel like I'm being unfriendly when I employ that barrier. As unnatural as it can sometimes feel, it is important to remember the reason for it.
