Get Your Students Hired
Hi David,
I like that rule. Students will certainly share with you more than you ever wanted it to know.
Patricia Scales
Hi Kevin,
So true! Our students do not need more friends. They need role models that they can emulate.
Patricia Scales
It shows the students that even though we can relate to them we are not one of them. It allows us to keep a professional appearance and stance with the students. They are more likely to respect you if you are represented as a professional than as a friend.
We are not here to make friends. We are here as educators of our profession and to equip our students to be the best technician they can be.
As a psychology instructor I find it that keeping a professional distance is good to keep students from disclosing personal information. I set the right expectations that I am not a therapist just their instructor and information that does not pertain to the course is not to be discussed in the classroom.
Hi Todd,
Too much is at risk whenever a student and instructor develop a friendly relationship. The student/instructor relationship should be strictly professional.
Patricia Scales
Because the students need to know and feel that you are there to instruct and guide, careingly, but not as a buddy. They have enough buddies, crossing that line is not not professional, but doing them a disservice.
It is important for students to recognize who is in charge and who is reposnsible for getting them the info needed. You can be friendly and develope a rapor with your students but you cannot be "buddies" and "pals" like people their age. They must look up to you as a professional. You must dress, act and teach professionally. If not, some students will lose respect and feel that you do not care.
You want to be empathetic to your students and not get too personal at the same time. It is a touchy situation to be in. You want them to know you care but not get too involved with any problems they have at a personal level. This means only speaking to them at school and not inviting them to your home or out anywhere.
Hi Kimberly,
Yes! The student/instructor relationship should be strictly professional. We can teach our students a lot about professionalism! We should always act as the professional that we want our students to become.
Patricia Scales
Keeping a professional distance allows you to maintain control of not only the classroom but also mangement aspects of grading and assignment evaluation. If you become too friendly, they will start to expect favors, and slack on due dates, to throwing out test questions.
Maintaining a professional relationship is essential to establishing boundaries and respect.
keeping a professional relationship with the students teach them how to handle their future employee-employer relationship as well.
Students can't become friends... you, as an instructor should be looked up to (without sounding pompous) and be the example on the pedestal. Maintaining professionalism is in part, earning respect. You care for your students learning and education but not their personal life as a friend would. (great discussion question)
I feel maintaining professional distance gives the students a better chance for success. If this distance is not maintained students may feel they don't have to make an effort. They may also feel embarrassed when this distance is requested or demanded again by the instructor. Also the students might find it hard to get back to the performance they had before the mistake was made by the instructor. This could cause anxiety and careless performance by the students.
Hi Therese,
I agree! Students need to see us as professionals and role models. Our students need professionals in their lives that they can look up to.
Patricia Scales
Hi Courtney,
I concur! Favoritism is frowned upon. Treat all students the same with a kind and professional relationship demeanor.
Patricia Scales
Hi Sara,
You are right! Be professional with your students, not chummy with your students. Chumminess sends out the wrong impression.
Patricia Scales