Get Your Students Hired
I Have seen this happen too often in the past. The student becomes pals with an Instructor then when the student doesn't perform and starts to fail, the Instructor is the one the student will blame for their misfortune.
As a professional our standards must be set higher than the student level. Dress,Language and Conduct lead to better role models,managers,and motivators.
I have seen this happen before. It is not a good thing. It is always turned around on the instructor. It doesn't seem fair!
While on surface there needs to be a difference, the faculty should know as much about the student as possible ... and the student also need to know more about the faculty. Such mutual learning take place when there is a solid relationship. Since the goal for the student is to learn all of the knowledge and skill that the faculty can provide, a close relationship can foster such growth.
Hi Michelle,
This is where being a friend and a professional supporter of your students is so important. You can establish rapport with them which will making teaching easier. You can never be buddies with them or you will have more problems that you care to deal with.
Gary
As a new instructor I had this problem. Among the many disadvantages, there is a tendency for students to go off the subject of lecture or topic of discussion for the day. Once they see you as a friend it's difficult to regain your credibility as a disciplinarian.
Hi Christine,
Thank you for the example. Sad that it ended as it did but this story should be of help to others.
Gary
I have found this out the hard way. One of my past students called me re: all of her personal problems.Eventually she dropped the class and the unfortunately it was a relief.
Hi Alicia,
You make a number of good points about professionalism. This is why being a model, manager, and motivator is so important.
Yes, after students have completed the course they can become friends with you. Keep in mind you are a part of their network and resource as they progress through their careers. It is admiration for what you have done for them that brings them to your office years after they have left your classroom. This validates your rapport with them and that you are doing a good job as an instructor.
Keep up the good work.
Gary
I AGREE WITH MR. GOODWIN. THE WAY WE PRESENT OURSELVES TO THE STUDENTS IS THE WAY THEY WILL VIEW US THROUGHOUT THE COURSE. IF WE ACT PROFESSIONALLY FROM THE WAY WE DRESS TO THE WAY WE CONDUCT OURSELVES; THE STUDENT, WILL KNOW THAT THERE ARE BOUNDRIES THAT MUST BE RESPECTED. IN BECOMING TOO FREINDLY WITH THE STUDENTS WE ARE LOOSING OUR PROFESSIONALISM. IN MY OPINION THE STUDENT CAN BECOME YOUR FRIEND AFTER THE COURSE FOR THEY SOMETIMES CALL YOU OR COME BY FOR ADVISE. IT'S LIKE AN ADMIRATION AND THEY LOOK UP TO YOU FOR FUTURE GUIDANCE.
the student becomes pals with the instructor this will be the down fall of student intructor this isnot professional
the student becomes pals with the instructor this will be the down fall of student intructor this isnot professional
Hi Audrey,
Very well said. Professionalism is a must if we are to be the models that we need to be for our career area as well as our profession of teaching.
Gary
I could not agree with you more. I have seen this too many times, where instructors are too friendly with students, and because of this, it affects how other instructors who behave professionally are perceived by those students. As instructors, it is our responsibilities to make sure that professionalism is one of our highest priorities.
By allowing yourself to become "pals" with a student, you have effectivly removed yourself from the teaching role. Other students may also view this action as "playing favorites" thereby destroying the teachers credibility.
I agree with Mr. Goodwin,
This is a very dangerous trap to fall into. Talking to other students I found out that the student who become friends with instructors tend to loose a lot of personal responsibility. I know it's very hard to be one type of person in the classroom and another outside of work.
I agree completely. As professionals, instructors should have a balance of motivator and personal " sounding board". There should be a fine line so the student realizes we care about their achievment.
Hi Stacey,
Glad that the information in the course on this most important issue was of help to you. Good luck with your teaching career.
Gary
As a New Instructor, never being in a classroom environment before; I wanted to be everyone's friend; until I soon realized a person can be taken advantage of very quickly like that.
This is definitely an issue that I will be addressing in a positive manner next term.