I agree with this statement 100 percent. I have seen instructors in the past spend more time with certain students and let students call them by their first names. it creates a sense of being on the same level when we are not. this can create serious problems when advising students needs to be done.
The person teaching is filling the role of teacher. The teacher is responsible for motivating each and every student, delivering the course material and managing the class. This must be done in a consistent and equitable fashion. The teacher is also acting as a role model for the students. By maintaining a professional demeanor and appropriate distance from distance you are setting the right standard for the class.
it is important to maintain a distance because there needs to be a constant establishment of professionalism, classroom order and a mutual understanding of the importance of a student/teacher relationship.
The first thing that I do is to set the boundaries. The student will allows mention their cool (unethical) teacher that they once had. That is part of the swaying process to try to destroy the professionalism boundary that every instructor should have. The point is that the instructor should be respected not be the cool cat of the crowd.
I personally do not like the term "distance". However I take every opportunity to demonstrate how professionalism has benefited me. Wether its an example from my past field experience or something from the classroom.
Hi Malana,
I concur! Our students need as many role models as possible. Students really need people that they can look up to.
Patricia Scales
Because there is that boundary that some instructors tend to cross, then it could start to show favouritism.
I agree with your feedback. Students should have boundaries. I pride myself in maintaining a professional rapor with my students at all times. Professionalism is also important to serve as a role model for students to emulate.
So the students will know where they stand. There is a line that may not be cross between the students and the instructors.
Hi Malana,
Students should have boundaries. Distance is key in a student/instructor relationship. The student/instructor relationship should be strictly professional.
Patricia Scales
Hi Jessalyn,
I concur! Generally if the instructor is professional. The students will respect the instructor.
Patricia Scales
Maintaining a professional distance from students is an important part of class management in order to maintain a close while professional relationship with students. While keeping that professional distance one can create a trust and respect that lets a student feel secure and that much more open to excel within these professional boundaries of instructor and student.
I feel it establishes a solid message that professionalism and respect is expected at all times.
One must maintain professionalism at all times. This is how respect and classroom management gained. If I do not manage my classroom, someone will.
Students need to know their boundaries. Having various parameters to recognize and follow is healthy for both students and instructors. Your students should not see you dressing the same as they do. U are not their friend. I have salt-n-pepper hair, so to speak, and will not dye my hair as my biological children want me to do because it well serves me to look more like my students' parent and /or grandparent as their is a HIGH level of respect there. Many of my former students are now members of my church. They have invited me to their weddings, graduations, and showers. They keep me abreast of the goings-on of their successes and lives.
Complacency and familiaraty are not conducive to learning. In certain instances this may the first time for some students to be exposed to a professional demeanor.
An instructor must maintain professionalism when teaching a class. It is one of the most important factor in gaining respect of the students - and respect is what an instructor is looking for most from his/her students. Once that aspect of student-teacher relationship has been established, it becomes so much easier to manage a class.
At all times, that is the key.
Maintaining a professional image is important in preparing them to face the realities of the industry and the real world.
This is important because you don't want your student's to see you as a peer or friend. You are their instructor and they should respect you as such. In addition, if you don't keep a professional distance, those students who tend to gravitate towards you the most will be labeled as the "favorites."
