Transitioning from Secondary to Post-Secondary Teaching Environments
This was a bigger transition than I thought and was wondering if anyone was experiencing or had experienced similar issues. I am a former public school teacher; I taught one year at the middle school level followed by three years at the high school level. The transition from middle school teacher to high school teacher wasn't a big deal. It was actually pretty easy. However, now that I am a lab supervisor at the post-secondary level, I am amazed at how differently I am viewed by the students (adult learners). The majority of the students I have now are my age or older and interact with me in a way that leans much more toward the egalitarian, which is fine in most regards. They respect and acknowledge my knowledge, skills, and abilities for what those things are, but then some want to hang out, or have a couple of beers, or go to this party. Unlike the students I had when I was teaching in secondary level public schools, some of these "adult learners" seem to think there's a "ON/OFF" switch to the instructor/student role, but there isn't. My former high school students thought of me as a teacher, a responsible adult, and an approachable figure of authority; they knew where the line was. Now it seems in the post-secondary environment, given my age too, I am viewed by some students as a potential buddy or pal that they can "chill" with outside of the school. I take it as a compliment and that they like me, but I decline, thanking them for the offer and politely remind them of the instructor/student role in-so-many words. Most are really understanding about it, even if they are still "chatty" about "life in general" with me at times.
Has anyone else experienced something similar to this?
As I read down the discussion threads, I noticed a few people addressing an issue of young age, or of being a novice instructor, and consequently being challenged by students. Fortunately, I have not had to deal with that in quite a while; I learned how to present myself, the class room, and the subject matter so as to minimize that in my 4 years as a public school teacher. My issue lies almost solely with some students wanting to be too personal either in or out of the classroom, and it took me by surprise a bit.
Jason,
Thank you for this information about interacting with students. We need to be sure we set the boundaries and establish the fact that we are the learning leader and then earn the respect of our students from there.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jason,
This type of student interaction and engagement is quite common on the secondary level. Your discussion of this topic is valuable to and for many instructors. They need to see and understand their role and keep within it. Going beyond a student instructor role will only result in problems at some future point so to avoid such a situation they need to do what you are doing and say no to invitations to parties, etc.G
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
