Turning Negatives into Positives
I am sure we have all had our share of negative students. As you know, negative attitudes spread like wildfire. The worst is when students set the tone for discussions. For example, if the first response to an online discussion is negative, there is a good chance that additional responses will also be negative. What tips do you have for not only helping the negative student see positives but also maintaining a positive tone in the classroom?
Hi Laura,
Good point. Most students want to start at the top and then work down, rather than the bottom and up. They have to have a solid foundation and for many they don't want to invest the time and effort to get it. By helping them see the big picture you are making sure that they have this foundation.
Gary
I am normally a positive person, so this is easy for me, as an Instructor. I have a lot of students in my classes that are not their to learn the technical side of fashion. They want the more glamorous jobs titles, so they get very frustrated in my classroom.
I make sure that they can understand the purpose and the big picture for learning all aspects of their major, and encourage them with baby steps of information. I remind them that they have only learned this new concept for 3 weeks and not to be hard on themselves that they can't create an idea, from their heads, to paper, yet. That it will come to them, easily, in the future.
A question that I would ask you is are you really sure that the student is feeling negative? One thing that I have learned over the years is that some students that I perceive as having a "bad attitude" actually don't have bad attitudes and some students that I think are having a great reaction to my class actually are reacting very negatively.
If you really are encountering negativism, sometimes it can be helpful to discuss what you are seeing with the student.
Thanks to everyone for your comments! These are great preventative tips. I always set a positive tone in the classroom. I was referring to students who complain about the class itself, not my feedback or tone. They are few and far between, but they do appear. Therefore, I was looking for tips to help after they start up, rather than preventative tips.
Hi Hilary,
You are exactly right about students being less apt to complain if they are in a supportive environment. Setting a positive tone and getting student buy in will make the upcoming class much more enjoyable.
Gary
This is a good idea. I think setting the tone the first day of class helps prevent the spreading. For instance, if you show the students you're willing to listen to constructive feedback you are showing them that their opinions are valued. Students often times find it more uncomfortable to complain when they're in a supportive atmosphere.
Would setting a positive tone as an expectation "before" discussion begins help?
I find that negative feedback, complaining, and critique are often habits for people. These traits don't necessarily represent underlying cynicism. They can simply be habits.
Perhaps talk to students about the importance of constructive feedback before discussion begins. This might simply make people more aware of their tone and not let the "wildfire" you mention get started.
