When I was a younger instructor/prof they felt more comfortable in less
formal references during a conference or small group discussion.  As I
have become an aged prof, I notice they stay at a more formal level of
address throughout.  There might be a potential project in this for your
developmental students, as well as reference to Roger Brown's "universal
norms" regarding greetings of those with different social statuses and
power.  How often do we refer to our students as mister versus first
names?  Context and geographical location may play a role here as well. 
How about if you have an ex-student who is now a nurse treating you? 
Does he or she call you doctor, mister, or by first name?  Do those
younger profs--pretenure--show more or less deference to older
colleagues?  Are they more easily bent out of shape if they don't
receive a respectful title from those with lower status?   Gee, this
silly topic sure had staying power on tips!   Gary.....ah, Herr Doctor
Peterson






Gerald L. (Gary) Peterson, Ph.D.
Professor, Psychology
Saginaw Valley State University
989-964-4491
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

---
You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Reply via email to