intructor/student relationship

[packard]

So, as a teacher of many years, I have taught loads of students.

This week, I had a student (male) refer to me as a friend. It took me by surprise a little given that he was not some one I know that well from the classes.

So it got me thinking about the student/instructor relationship again. Something that I think about on a regular basis.

What is your opinion of an instructor being a friend with a student? Do you have personal experience of this – good or bad? And what about the class dynamics of such a relationship?

Any thoughts……