Hi Johanna,
I agree! It is okay to be friendly with students but do not befriend students. It breaks down barriers when you become students friends. Students need to know that you are their instructor and will lead accordingly.
Patricia Scales
I believe, especially in our current society, many people have never learned the appropriate manner in which to relate to their superiors. Therefore, maintaining a professional classroom and explaining to students why these expectations exist helps them further their own ability to be employed. Of course, it is also the only real way to manage a classroom! If your students think you are "buddies" they don't have the necessary respect for you when you must supervise or discipline them.
Remember, you are their guide and you care about them. Try and not be their friend
I am accessible to my students on school portal, linkin, phone to school, after class and before, office hours or by appointment.
Hi Ricmanuel,
Students tend to give you what you give them. If you are professional to them and respect them, most students tend to do likewise.
Patricia Scales
I definitely agree, it establishes a solid message that professionalism and respect is expected at all times.
They respect you more as a teacher. I've been asked out many times and I politely decline. The students might and have make fun of me because I won't go out drinking with them, but they know I'm serious and respect me more.
The students need to view you as a professional so there will be a higher level of respect. If you can keep your personal life at a distance this will be easier.
Most schools already have the policy in place not to fratranize with students or create a familiar attitude. This is part of maintaining a professional image and keeps them respectful of the position you hold.
It is better to be respected than "friended". Was just talking with a fellow instructor after class last night about becoming friends with her students on FACEBOOK. I advised her it may not be a good idea as they will think that she will be up for getting a drink after class with her instead of meeting the deadlines she has given for Workbook 18.
you have to always maintain a professional image if not the students want repected up an you will loose control of the class
To me there is a line that should never be crossed between the instructor and student. The students should never view their instructor as their friend and if they do then they will begin to think it is ok for them not to follow policy and when the instructor attempts to enforce policy it will not be effective because the students do not view them as their instructor. I beleive it is easy for instructors to cross the line and not maintain the distance because they want the students to "like" them or they don't want to be the "bad guy" who enforces policies and really all they are doing is setting the student up for failure. I'm a program chair and I tell the instructors this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make with your students, because if they see you as their "friend" and you go to enforce a policy they are going to come to me and throw you under the bus quick.
Stephanie Bernard
first of all personal relationships is not permitedin our school as i expect it is in many schools ! Being personally involved makes it harderto do our job period , it would complicate every aspect of our jobs !
first of all personal relationships is not permitedin our school as i expect it is in many schools ! Being personally involved makes it harderto do our job period , it would complicate every aspect of our jobs !
Maintaining a professonal distance from students helps to reduce the possibility of having the student trying to take advantage of the instructor.
Maintaining a professional attitude makes the students respect you as their instructor
Maintaining a professional distance from students is an important part of class management because it causes less intimadation from the teacher. Personal space is needed between the teacher and student in order to allow a comfortable learning environment for the student. It also creates an environment where the student does not feel their space is being invaded.
As stated previously....they need a leader and instructor, not another friend. Their classmates can be friends...not what you are in their life for while they are in school.
I feel this is very important. As an instructor you should not be personal with your students. You loose respect with your students. How are students going to take you serious if the only thing you ever do with them is share your personal life with them? Students want instructors that know their subjects and can distinguish from personal and professional. I am very funny about getting personal with students unless it relates to the class subject and even then I do not go into grave detail with them.
We need to establish a repect level. The student needs to know that you are concerned about their education but you are not there to be their friend. I want to be approachable for help, but not to be one of the guys.
