Students as Clients in a Professional/Client Relationship

In this article, the author suggests the use of a professional/client metaphor for conceptualizing the relationship of professors and students. The framework suggested by the use of this metaphor provides a useful and explicit alternative to the problematic student-as-customer metaphor. The advantages of invoking this metaphor are illustrated by discussing the professional/client relationship in general and by discussing four specific cases of professional/client relationships. Suggestions are provided for inculcating a professional/client atmosphere in the classroom.