Students who are content with receiving a lower grade
How do you motivate students who are content to receive a mediocre grade...simply because of attendance issues.....
This can be very frustrating when you see the potential ...if only they applied themselves...
I would speak individually to the student to find out what they consider a motivator. Then ask what they think will be their motivator when they join the work force.
Hi Terry,
Some students will simply settle for the bare minimum, and others will work diligently to make the best grades possible. It really depends on the student if they are hard working or not. I've learned that some students need to be pushed in order to show their full potential.
Patricia
At the end of each quarter, I spend a full class period going over individual grades. I'm amazed how student attitudes have changed over the years from being passionate about their abilities(grades) to becoming tolerant of poor performance.
I have seen this behavior in my class, but frankly I am more troubled by the students that won't accept anything less than 100% of the points for the course and become frustrated and less productive as soon as that mark is lost. I have had several students tell me that less than 100% is failing, in their minds. I dont feel like students should receive 100% grades, it means the course content is too easy. Have any of you had this problem, and what did you tell these overachievers?
I also have had the exact same question, especially last quarter. I had a student who despite her potential missed several assignments, and several class meetings and proceded to tell me that she was okay with failing. I was aghast to say the least.
Through out the quarter, I remind the students how intelligent that they are and continually encourage them via e-mail or through assignment feedback. It is just disheartening that there are still those that seem to choose to disengage.
Hello George,
Fabulous points made! All it takes is some time management, and students can go from mediocre performance to excellent performance. There are some people that will just settle for less no matter what.
Patricia
I think that the “initial encounter” with students is important to lay down the law so to speak, but also to communicate through words and mannerisms that “I am human.” I have courses where 80% of the students turn in assignments, to include discussion board assignments (online), hours before the deadline. This is generally due to their time management as well as personal commitments beyond their involvement in the course. They plan to work on assignments the weekend that they are due and not before since they have other commitments. Students who are satisfied with mediocre performance normally have the same issue. They have so much time to work on assignments and shoot for “passing.” Motivating them is generally dealing with practical problems, not ego problems. I have found that conversing with them on time management issues and the necessity to set time aside in an academic office will allow them to do better in courses, but will also give them control over the structure of their lives. Education is not getting a grade or a certificate…..It is the learning that has taken place.
Hi Mona,
What a caring and genuine approach to take toward your students. Some of our students do have a lot going on, and they try their very best to juggle it all. I am sure your students appreciate your caring and concern ways. I was touched just by reading your response. I take the same approach toward my students, and they truly appreciate it.
Patricia
Many students whose absences adversely affect their grade are often those that are beginning their career, thus working and going to school at the same time. Speaking with the student, expressing interest in his/her job in the field studied is a great start. By recognizing that the student is taking the steps toward getting pratical experience and commending him/her for it, I begin to develop a trust and role of mentor. Continually asking "How's work?, What is on the tasting menu?. . .," shows my student that I am interested in his success. Upon returning to class the next day, I will approach the student (individually) and let him know that I and his fellow students missed him yesterday. This acknowledgement helps make the student feel noticed and important to the class. It may not help the attendance issues but the student will contact me when he can't make it and also is very conscientious to complete all assignments. The student may not be in class everyday, but he does try his best.
Hello Richard,
There are some students that are more interested in getting the piece of paper (degree), and they can care less if they learn anything as long as they get that degree. How sad!
Patricia
Hi Richard,
I preach that GPA is not the most important factor to prospective employers. It is most important for students to be able to perform at an acceptable skill level by the employer, and the student must be knowledgable in the particular area.
Patricia
I don't know how relevant this may be in your industry but in the school I work in, the persons who will hire these students would be more interested in their knowledeg and skills than their grades. I have had employers tell me point blank they don't care about GPA. They find some with high GPA's lack practical skills so they cannot be used, while others who may be less academically inclined may have excellent skills and potential.
Also, if we push a point which may not be the most correct, we run the risk of having our students think we are telling them untruths simply to get them to do what we want. If they lose trust in us because of something like this, the battle is lost.
While I also have students who are very busy, there is no denying that there are some who simply want to sit in a chair, have subject matter flow over them so they can hang on to the minimum needed for them to barely pass the class. There purpose is not to learn but simply to get graduated.
I found this working at a state university as well. It was as if the students simply wanted a piece of paper (degree) so they could make more money. I guess the best cure for this would be to focus on what the knowledge we are conveying can do for them in the day to day of their newly chosen profession and how a lack of this knowledge can be detrimental to find a good position in the industry.
Remind them employers will possibly be looking at their grades
Hello Marilyne. I find that some of our students are not lazy they are just busy. Our program is 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, and 12 months long. The program allows students to get out in a short period of time but they pay the price when it comes to academics sometimes. Attendance is limited to only 20% allowed to be missed so they must attend. Life issues are a real factor. Any suggestions?
Hi Bruce,
Nothing aggravates me more than to have a bright student that does not work to his/her fullest potential level. There are some people in the world that will truly settle for less--this saddens me. I try every thing in my power to encourage all of my students to work to their fullest potential.
Patricia
I have seen a lot of really good students who are content with lower grade levels that have a lot more to offer and recive a higher grade.It maybe they have to much on there plate to applie themselves totally to the class you are teaching. Another class may demand more out of them just to pass and yours is set up that less effort is required to recieve there passing grade thus less effort in your class from this student. He would like to pass all class so he might be using time mangement to his best. A passing grade in all classes with out higher grades he is capabile of scoring.
I try to learn their names and something about them as soon as possible. I will strike up conversation with students who are quiet or shy. If students feel a personal connection to an instructor, they won't want to let him or her down by not turning in assignments.
Hi Robert,
I agree, you do see this in each class. I have been in education for nearly 20 years, and I have come to realize employers are more so concerned about attendance, punctuality, attitude, loyal, dependability, etc., more so than grades.
Patricia
