Can STMs Build Trust in College Students?
A conversation with a college professor left me thinking deeply about the role of trust in student-teacher relationships. She was visibly frustrated with the lies and excuses her students often give. "STM cannot benefit as much as PTMs," she argued. "I even want to introduce PTMs at college because students are not trustworthy at all."
Her words resonated with a common challenge faced by educators. When students lie or make excuses, it's often because they lack a connection with their professors that allows them to be honest. The disconnect is real and concerning.
I believe this professor's perspective actually highlights the need for STMs. If students had regular 1:1 meetings with their professors, they might not feel the need to lie.
Instead, these meetings could build a bond of trust, leading to better attendance and a more honest academic environment. Important issues related to academics and overall performance could be addressed openly, reducing the frustration of dealing with untruthful students.
If you haven't read my book on STMs yet, I encourage you to do so. It's time we rethink how we connect with our students.
