From: "Paul Smith" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2003 13:25:30 -0500 X-Message-Number: 6 Paul Brandon wrote: He does have a common interest in teaching, and much of what he says about teaching is representative of an approach that has a certain prevalence in higher education and which we have to face and deal with from our colleagues and administrators.Paul, I think this is a good way to lead this discussion. I remember as an undergrad my Psych Dept. Head saying that he didn't make friends with his colleagues because he had to hire and fire them and he didn't make friends with his students because he has to grade them. This led to a discussion of what it means to be "friends" and objectivity. The central question was can you remain objective in grading and evaluations if you have a close personal relationship with someone (this was in the pre constructivist days so we didn't even deal with that). My contention then and still today, is that you can be friendly with students but while they are under your charge there should be a healthy distance that prevents dual relationships. For example, I've been invited on many occasions to Thursday night parties that my students were having. I've never attended because 1). I don't want to be the "old guy" over there and 2). I'd feel uncomfortable dealing with grades and all that after spending a night drinking and partying it up with my students.
I would like to hear how you characterize that 'approach'. Frankly, I
think you're being overly generous here.
...Could we have a discussion about the extent to which faculty can/do/should care about the individual lives of their students? ...
Now on occasion, I have run into students at a restaurant's happy hour or even a dance club. On those occasions, we talk, exchange introductions, and maybe even dance but that's as far as it goes. They leave with their friends and I leave with mine. Former students I treat as I would any other acquaintance.
But that's just how I deal with it...how about you?
--
Herb Coleman
IT Manager, Rio Grande Campus
Adjunct Psychology Professor
Austin Community College
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
512-223-3076
*********************************************
* Every action has a connected and directed * * pre-action. *
*********************************************
-Herb Coleman after seeing "Bowling for Columbine"
--- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
