Too human factor?
Is there such a thing as too much human factor? In other words, becoming the friends of the students.
Yamil,
Yes. You have to maintain a professional distance from the students. You can earn their respect and have rapport with them but you have to leave it at that. To go farther sets you up for a loss of control and can make the management of the class very difficult.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The instructor can be friendly without being a friend. Being a friend can set one up for failure to control. Students can be like the pet dog (i.e. "if you play with them too often and not show them discipline, the dog will eventually lick you in the face."), while friendly gestures illustrate to the student that the instructor is not cold and rigid, being overly friendly and fraternizing can lead to dissatisfaction.
John,
Good reminder for all instructors. This is an important part of being a professional.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
