Boundaries are essential while teaching and are often implemented by the teacher to ensure a professional relationship is maintained, for example, ensuring that as a teacher you “preserve a degree of ‘professional distance’” (Gould & Roffey-Barentsen, 2014, p. 24) such as “giving your personal telephone to learners could be seen as encouraging informal contact”. (Gravells, 2014, p. 7) Another example of a teaching boundary is being “able to work within the limits of that role”. Students will have a wide selection of queries and issues and it is essential that teachers are able to refer students to ensure they receive the correct advice, “no matter how well intentioned, being supportive and helpful can cause more problems than it solves if it concerns matters outside of our knowledge, skills and expertise.” (Gould & Roffey-Barentsen, 2014, p. 25)
There are many issues that fall beyond my role as a lecturer, such as depression, family problems, bereavement, etc., it is essential that I know the most suitable department to refer students. For example, I had a student who arrived to my class with a large black eye and numerous other injuries, based on the students profile I felt involving the safe guarding team was the best option.
