What's too much accommodation?
I understand the basic needs of our students especially those of an older age and those with disabilities; however, my questions stems from those students who really don't have a motivation to learn.
I have had instances in which I feel my level of accommodation is above and beyond what is necessary, especially for those students who may get what they want from the school and leave 3/4 of the way through the term. So where is the line? Do I as an isntructor try to accommodate all needs, or when I feel my moral obligation has run dry, should I quit?
Meagan,
Finding the balance is always a challenge. I have a set of competencies my students need to acquire in my course. I provide support and encouragement to and for my students throughout the course but in the end it is up to them to acquire the competencies or they will not pass my course. This means they have to put forth the necessary effort required and they are accountable for the outcome.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I understand your concern here. I have the same question. When I see students who do not put forth the needed effort they seem to want to be "spoon feed." I feel that this is a hindering our students. I feel they need to be challenged to a certain degree. How do you find the balance?
Nathan,
Good question in relation to providing support to certain students. The ADA requires that reasonable accommodations be provide to persons with disabilities. In order to receive these accommodations the students has to self identify with the college and express what accommodations are needed. This is generally done through the Student Services Office. This information then comes to instructor. The instructor and the student then talk about what form the accommodations will take such as guided notes, or extended test time. Students that do not have a diagnosed disability are not eligible for these services unless you want to provide them as their instructor. So I use as my guide their effort. If I have a students struggling and I can support them with some additional resources or tutoring I will do it as long as they put forth the effort. If they don't then they are on their own since they are willing to work at being successful.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
