You typically wear two hats.
While doing this, I found that I am always wearing two hats so to speak. I am typically a guide personality, but will switch to buddy outside a lecture setting. The real challenge is not letting yourself slip into the buddy mode in the classroom.
The dilemma I face is "controlling the classroom." My class is located in the computer lab because students need to use the computer everyday for their course assignments. However, because of technical difficulties sometimes I get 2-3 disruptive students sitting beside one another. I try to be the guide and ask them to switch seats with a fellow student (on a working computer) or to try and sit else where.
However, this does not always work.
I can not be too reprimanding since I have to remain in contact with students after graduation for job placement. I also handle the alumni organization and need past students to come talk to our current students about their experiences and offer helpful tips.
Its hard and stressful wearing two hats.
I am also interpersonal by nature, but always resort to that fine line of buddy and guide in the classroom. Initially, I think starting off as the guide but demonstrating that there is a "buddy" side to you makes students more comfortable.
MICHAEL, do you have your own definition of buddy or are you referring to the definition within the context of what was discussed in ED113? Thanks for your clarification.
James Jackson
I feel that you cant be a buddy in the classroom or out of the classroom.
I always start out every class as a guide for the first couple of days. Once I get to know the students I too start becoming more of a buddy to make the class fun and let the students know that I can have fun to. I never let the buddy dominate as to where the class becomes a free for all. When things seem like they are starting to get a little to comfy I pop back into the guide to regain control.
Yes the buddy is easy for I to slip into. I tend to be the guide most of the time. I do have to check myself now than.
Michelle, nothing wrong with being interpersonal. Just remember that your students will prosper more having an instructor that demands their best versus an instructor that wants everyone to like them. Better to be respected than liked which also tends to result in students that are better prepared for the real world.
James Jackson
Chad, a good guide will maintain the dominate trait of guide while moving in and out of buddy and controller as needed. Keep up the great efforts and thanks for all that you do.
James Jackson
I am interpersonal by nature and i find it important to remind myself to be careful of the fine line between buddy and guide.
