rhys
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Post by rhys on Apr 9, 2015 2:37:29 GMT 7
At a recent university English department meeting an innocent question came, how can we get to know our students better. The western teachers, basically said be friendly but no personal involvement... Help out a student if they show merit.. if they are at a ( F to D-) or the (C+ to B) give the extra explanation with kindness and patience. Maybe even join the student(s) for lunch.
If on line facebook with harmless conversation, always on the proper levels...kind words of encouragement.
This was a bit of a surprize, the older Thai teachers agreed, actually it was... Arai, what are you smoking?
The younger teachers Mid 25- later 20s... gave a completely different response.. I call over the special student you have made friends with, watch your favorite movies, invite them back to your dorms.. this came from the females...
Well the question..as a teacher can you or should you ever be a "friend to a student?"
OK have at it..
Cheers
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smokie36
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Post by smokie36 on Apr 9, 2015 2:44:43 GMT 7
In my opinion its not a good idea....students need the space to study....I can't see how personal relationships with their teacher can really help them....unless it involves extra curricular specialised teaching.
But I'm not a teacher....only speaking from experience long long ago.....
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SirToad
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Post by SirToad on Apr 9, 2015 7:55:32 GMT 7
It's about professional boundaries. When they get blurred, you can open up a world of trouble IMO
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ATF
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Post by ATF on Apr 9, 2015 8:56:49 GMT 7
Students in Thai schools and universities are notorious for complaining that the teacher gave them bad grades and some will persecute a teacher for being honest. Even in the international schools good students are encouraged and the chaff are left to fend for themselves. It's all one big grey area like most things in Thailand.
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SirToad
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Post by SirToad on Apr 9, 2015 10:26:07 GMT 7
I don't eny a teachers lot, dammed if they do, dammed if they don't.
It's really difficult, as they are often accused of all sorts of things if a student is upset (same goes in healthcare) - Rob's point above is valid to, and we've seen it in a number of areas.
My old next door neighbour back home was my A Level Teacher for Geography, in fact he taught me Geography all the way through my secondary education, it was a topic I enjoyed, and he was a hard task master, and I was a bloody PIA no doubt. He wasn't always the most diplomatic, but he was a very good teacher, who wanted the best for his students. We all respected him. He was basically run out of the school a few years back, after a few disruptive students made allegations against him, and he spent time off with Depression and anxiety - he ended up leaving through sickness, and he then became a carpenter. An absolute great guy, ran out for being a bit tough and blunt. It was the schools and students loss in the end, but they destroyed him.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 10, 2015 12:00:20 GMT 7
Have no fear, Nigey's here. We'll sort this nonsense out. There will be RESPECT for all teachers, librarians (horn rimmed glasses will be compulsory), nurses (skimpy uniforms will be introduced to save on material costs (we can use that wonga to treat all the old farts who suddenly go takky-cardic). And we can't forget the police, who suffer far too much abuse and accusation. UKIP is 100% behind the Police. Anyone not showing due respect will be publicly flogged.... ![]()  OK - publicly flogged TWICE. |
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Post by Sam on Apr 10, 2015 19:01:30 GMT 7
Gents,
Do agree with the boundary issue...yes, on occassion be a pal, but not a friend.. the relationship teacher to students.. Respect it.. but a sneak but quick peek keeps things interesting.
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Post by sam on Apr 11, 2015 2:51:04 GMT 7
Students in Thai schools and universities are notorious for complaining that the teacher gave them bad grades and some will persecute a teacher for being honest. Even in the international schools good students are encouraged and the chaff are left to fend for themselves. It's all one big grey area like most things in Thailand. Recent articles back in the UK relate to increasingly frequent online accusations about teachers via the social media, often for no more than honesty over accurate (ie bad) grades. This is getting very dangerous for teachers nowadays: it's more than likely a global phenomenon. Glad I am out of it now: that sort of stuff is too hard to counter. Additionally, students use of cell phone with recording function have been also quite revealing...inside the classroom. They seem to catch teachers having a bad day... |
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