This is
something tossed about a lot, but I think that teachers and students have very
different definitions of what it means.
Student’s
perspective: Teacher is available outside of class. Teacher answers all of my
questions whenever I ask them. Teacher gives me good grades. Teacher praises
all my efforts. Teacher makes allowances for things in my life (work, family,
other classes).
Teacher’s
perspective. Teacher is available outside of class within reason (teachers do
have lives outside of teaching and have to deal with other work, other classes,
and family just like students). Teacher answers questions that are reasonable (many
questions are answered in class and by the syllabus, so there’s no need to
repeat ourselves). Teachers praise efforts that are worth praising. Other
efforts receive constructive criticism in order to encourage improvement.
Teacher makes reasonable allowances. Everyone has a life with ups and downs,
and it’s not fair to everyone if some people can get away with not attending
class or turning in assignments late (and teachers are those who also have
other things in life).
I think
this fundamental disparity, and the increasing number of students who insist on
their way, is having a detrimental effect on teaching as a profession.
And I have
no idea on how to fix it.
I’m not sure
I want to try.