Dr. Joyce Johnson wrote:
> 2) Arrange the office furniture so that the student's (visitor's) chair is
> on the same side of the desk as the teacher's (authority's) chair. Be aware
> that the desk is seen as a fortress or barrier. Place the desk in such a
> position that it does not separate you from the student. Try this. Stand in
> your doorway and try to look at your office arrangement objectively. Where
> could you place your desk, computer, phone, files, chairs, etc., so that
> these items are both convenient & efficient for your work habits AND
> communicate the silent message that visitors are welcome?
Does this mean that I should get rid of my guard dog?
Our lawyers have suggested that male (and even female) instructors place
barriers between the instructor and where students are to sit in the office.
They especially targeted the desk. The reason involves possible accusations of
sexual harassment. It's sad that we have to worry about such things. I think
that Joyce's suggestions, however, were very good. I may try some of them
I suggested to Mike Kane that he install a wet bar and start a Happy Hour.
Students seem to be strongly motivated to go to places that have such things.
I thank those who responded to my query of yesterday. The responses were very
helpful to me.
Jeff
--
Jeffry P. Ricker, Ph.D. Office Phone: (480) 423-6213
9000 E. Chaparral Rd. FAX Number: (480) 423-6298
Psychology Department [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale, AZ 85256-2626
"The truth is rare and never simple."
Oscar Wilde
"Science must begin with myths and with the criticism of myths"
Karl Popper
"Nothing is more dangerous than active ignorance"
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Listowner: Psychologists Educating Students to Think Skeptically (PESTS)
http://www.sc.maricopa.edu/sbscience/pests/index.html
