Hi Greg,
You can really shed light on this because you experienced this. I am sure your students are very interested in what you have to say.
Patricia
I share a story about a time in my life when I chose to blame others and the unfavorable out come. How my behavior kept me from succeeding. I explain the outcome for the student will be the same if they are to continue on the same path.
I usually respond to a student who blame shifts, by asking them a self-examing question. For example. "So what is your role in the matter.?"
Hi Margaret,
I concur. We have to do everything in our power as educators so that students understand for every choice there is a consequence, and they must learn how to take responsibility for their own actions because their boss is not going to want to hear any excuses...
Patricia
Very well said Barbara! I completely agree. I find using examples of peak performers, as well as those of chronic "blamers", such as the example given by Scott, help the students realize "they're not in high school" anymore. There is a cause and effect for each and every action, and realizing this leads to responsible adults and great employees, which is our goal as adult educators, I believe.
Hi Tiffany,
I like how you make the students think back about what was done. Normally once thought is given to the situation, the student realizes how it could have been their fault.
Patricia
What i have done was have the student revamp what the situation that was at hand and think back on what we have discused prior and then they have realized were they have made there misstake.
I tell my students on the first day of class that they make own decisions about their actions. The student decides whether or not he/she will come to class, do the assignments, prepare for the test, or do the project. I go on to explain that their decison will have consequenes. I decided to go to the movie instead of studying for the exam thus the student fails the exam. I decided to go swimming today and as a result missed the review for the exam. I place the responsibility of finding out what they missed from their fellow students. They can email if they would like to.
Also, I talk about time management. You need to find time to study and do the assignments. I give them some ideas on how to accomplish this task. One example is to put your notes on 3X5 cards and study them everytime you get some down time, such as while riding the bus to school.
I also tell them that going to school does involve giving up some activities in order to get the school work done.
Hi Nancy,
I make it a point to talk to these students daily about their assignments so that if there is a slip up, they clearly understand it is their own fault.
Patricia
At times , I have students tell me that they cannot get their papers done because they have 3 children or they work- I give them their project/paper assignment the first day of class which gives them 10 more weeks to complete it. I also ask them several times before the due date if they have questions- so it is not like they do not have time or opportunity. I still hold hem to the same standard as rhe other students who manage to have children, work, and yet get their assignments in on time.
I always ask students to share an example, while the student is sharing I would always ask questions like; How did you react? what could you have dont differently? what are the results of your actions? If you reacted differntly what are some differrent outcomes. I believe in critical thinking, don't just give suggestions or advice let them tell you the answer.
When possible, involve such students in group work. Knowing they are responsible to their peers for completeing the assigned task, make these students more aware of their duty, and the importance of their contribution to the group grade.
Additionally, having a class calendar indicating specifics of assignments and due dates seem to help these students stay on task and reminds them of their obligations.
Nancy Kroeten
Our school relies heavily on group activies for my of the students lab assignments. I explain on the first day of class that each group member is equally responsible for the successes and shortcomes of the group. Each group member should double check the quality and accuracy of all other group members work to ensure success of the group.
Hi Barbara,
You are right, they must learn how to work in a group. We must continue to encourage group assignments so that students are better prepared for the workplace when it comes to group work.
Patricia
Often times students working in group projects will shift blame on their team members for work not completed.
As I am instructing Business students I remind them that most jobs in their field will require a group effort. As in any group there will imerge a "leader" who will guide the group to success. This is a skill the students need to develope. Blaming others is not an excuse.
Hi Sandra,
I make it simple, only extenuating situations are deemed as acceptable excuses, such as death of a family member (with obituary), hospitalization either student or immediate family member, (documentation), accident (proof), house fire, etc.
Patricia
Most of the time, most students try to blame their schedules for not having time to do their work. When a student comes to me as ask me how come they got a low grade on a quiz or exam, I ask them what did they do for themselves to earn a higher grade, most of the time i get blank star back, and then I follow with how much time did you spend on the XBOX or game system. I remind them that this was a good time to put in some study time. I try to tell them that they don’t have to study for hours on end each day, just pick an hour or 2, and study for a short period every couple of days.
This was a wonderful thread to read - I received quite a bit of good information on this subject, which is one area that as a newer instructor, I need a little more skill in addressing. I can always spot the "it's not my fault" mentality in a student, but sometimes, it is difficult to weed out the "truth" from the "distortion of the truth". I like the idea of adding acceptable excuses to the syllabus and will be incorporating that into my opening PowerPoint.
Some students find an excuse no matter what. Even after listening and sharing information about events that are stressful to each of us, a student will turn and pick up with negative comments in the next session, just when you think you reached agreement on stopping the blame game. The replies I'm reading are helpful and thought provoking.
Meet with the individual student and explain to them that everyone must start with the man in the mirror. We can make the world a better place if we don't blame others for our wrong doings.
