IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOT GET TOO FRIENDLY WITH STUDENTS. iT is best to create the space that differentiates you as the professional teacher.If you start identifying with the students this is sometimes percieved as weakness, and then control of the class can become dificult.
It is the expectation of each student to be able to interact equally with an instructor. Keeping a professional demeanor both in and out of the classroom and does not lead to even the perception of improper classroom behavior or management.
It is my intention to create a bond with students, but it has limits. Because I reach out and show concern, it should not be an invitation to keep me up to date with all matters in your life.If each student had to keep me abreast of all trivial things in their lives when would I have time to teach and when or what would they learn.
i write the objectives for each class on the board at the beginning of class. That is the reason why I walked in to the class.
Others may have concerns(as they should) if one or more students is allowed to garner an adnormal amount of an instructors time.
Hi Glenn,
You are on point! Personal needs to be kept out of the classroom. The class period is strictly about business.
Patricia Scales
Personal discussion takes away from valuable class time. Students may be attracted to it because it acts as a distractor, and is easier. Instructors may be attracted to it because they get to be the center of attention and potentially vent or brag.
Discussing professional experience is good, as long as it relates to the objectives of the class session.
You are their instructor not there friend. The classroom is a professional eviornment and needs to stay that way.
Hi Brian,
Appearance carries a lot of weight! People will judge you good or bad based on your appearance alone.
Patricia Scales
Maintaining a professional image is very crucial in the workforce and adds to having people taking you seriously in the working environment. Eye contact and communication skills is something I like to encourage my students to improve on as well as a professional work attire.
I work hard to illustrate my business experience of 17 years during my classes.
Hi Alyson,
I agree! This is a level of respect that should be established. When children refer to you on a first name basis they look at you more of a friend than an authoritative figure.
Patricia Scales
Hi Rachel,
You are right! Students need role models, they have enough friends.
Patricia Scales
Maintaining a professional distance from the students is important because you need to always have the image of authority. If you allow students to become too personal then you lose a tremendous amount of autonomy in your classroom. Having a friendly relationship with students also provides an opportunity for students to obtain confidential information about you or issues that should be revealed only to administrative staff.
A good analogy is children calling parents by Mr and Mrs. rather than their first names. I have taught my children to address parents in this way because it shows a level of respect. Those children that call me by my first name seem to think I am their pal. They lack the understanding of authority in my home.
The same holds true in the classroom. It is apparent that when there is an even playing field, students do not maintain the level of respect for the professor that is needed to manage an effective classroom.
By maintaining a professional distance, I am a model for my students in how they should work with professionals in the future. If I become overly friendly, they may feel that this affords them some sort of pass in the class, and then therefore with their future employer, which should never be the case.
I find that you can be funny, respected, and well received by students while all the time keeping a respectful professional distance with the class.
Deborah,
Instructors should keep a professional relationship with students, because it helps to foster respect.
T. Waddell
To give each student an understanding / example of how to act and present themselves in a career.
It's important to maintain a professional distance from students because you don't want students to get the impression that they will be treated any differently than another student. Also, it reminds them of the barrier that should remain. How do you feel about social networking with students?
You are there to teach and be a role model. You are not there to make friends.
Hi Brian,
I agree! I have a student who lives in my neighborhood, and I do not befriend her. Boundaries must be established. It is never a good thing to befriend a student.
Patricia Scales
Hi Roberta,
I love your perspective! Continue to lead by example and guide your students carefully. We need more educators with your outlook!
Patricia Scales
