Professionalism Entry: 02/09/10

Today's professionalism assignment was to discuss the link between professionalism and personal connection. In general, I think it's okay to have a semi-personal relationship with a professional colleague/partner, etc. However, if you are sharing too much information or getting too familiar with someone it borders on un-professional. You can talk about your favorite sports team, or a movie that you like, or how things are going in your life to an extent. If you are telling people about some chick you hooked up with at a bar or the last time you had diarrhea you have probably gone too far.

In terms of student/Instructor relationships, I think a personal connection can be mutually beneficial, but again must have guidelines. Getting to know your instructor makes for more casual classroom sessions. It is very important to me personally to be able to approach an instructor if I am having trouble with a certain subject. This is a lot easier to do when you have a personal connection with said instructor. It also benefits the instructor; they get to know their students and it makes for a more open learning environment.
One major downside could be that if the students are too casual with the instructor they may think that they can get away with not working as hard. This would lead to a lack of respect on the part of both the instructor and the student and could effect what could have been learned in the course. There has to be a level of professionalism that allows the instructor to do their job and the students to learn what the instructor is trying to teach.


Cheers,

Craig