I find , when dealing with a student such as this it can be challenging to get the student to have a different out look. At our school, we try an approach where the school takes part of the responsability for the students education, the instructor takes a part, and the student takes a part of the responsability for his education.hopefully this helps the student to realize he is responsable for his choices.Just another step in education for entering the work force.
Hi Gary,
How true! There is one in almost every class with thousands of excuses. It has to be stressed to these folks how to take responsibility for their own actions.
Patricia
Hi Amber,
I'm there with you. They wanted to be treated like adults, but act like kindergartners whenever they want to.
Patricia
Hello Tangelia,
Listening is key!
Patricia
Hello Tangelia,
You have to get students to understand their faults, and let them know that for every choice there is a consequence.
Patricia
Hi John,
Great analogy! Some students simply do not want to rise to the expectations.
Patricia
There always seems to be one in every class who has a plethora of excuses. Stressing ownership and responsibility in the course expectations helps to mitigate the frequency.
Hell Dennis,
Use your best discretion about all the students, and you make the call.
Patricia
Hi Dennis,
What a lame excuse. Surely, you do not buy in to these excuses. Sudents will get away with murder if you let them. You must crack the whip.
Patricia
Ideally, I try to hold a 'private' chat with that person. During this chat, I try to empathize with him/her, but also, during our conversation, I try to get them to state their reasons for pursuing their educational goal. To go on, even through this, I try to get them to recognize that no matter what I may offer, or even what others may offer, in the way of help, and how he/she may try to rationalize why assignments are late or not even turned in, that it is they who must 'change' their mind to succeed. Using the baseball analogy, they have to step to the plate, it is not until they do ‘step up’ that they can even ‘swing’ at the ball.
I've heard enough "a virus ate my homework" excuses that I have a standard announcement that I post in the first few days with specific recommendations on how students should secure their computer. I even give them links to no-cost resources. Some get the hint.
I don't have it happen often, but it's pretty easy to spot when it does happen. Like you, I've seen some sessions with an unusual number of grandparents die, computers infected with viruses (very popular), and being unemployed (also popular). It can be a difficult situation to deal with depending on the school administration.
Hi Jviveros,
You have to respond firmly, yet nicely, "I gave you what you earned." Think about it, you never hear, "She/he gave me an "A."
Patricia
Thomas, I to believe in ones actions is a big part of maturity,earning your grades,not you gave me this grade.
Hi Cory,
Even though you express this to your students, how do you handle those students who still try to shift the blame?
Patricia
I try to give them assignments that they are responsible to complete on their own....I tell them exactly what they are required to do and in what time frame they are to complete it in...that way they are totally dependant on themselves with no one to blame but themselves.
Hi Heather,
I feel as though based on your comment you are a truly fair instructor. I agree solely with your response.
Patricia
Hi Aaron,
Your students certainly are in for no surprises. You have what I think or very legitimate reasons.
Patricia
Hi Michael,
Yes, be professional, yet firm. The student will tend to become humble.
Patricia
In my syllabus, it is clearly stated all the expected due dates of assignments, tests, and quizzes. The policy is clearly defined on the first day of class. Although, I do sympathize with the students when a situation arises, I still hold onto the policy. These students are adults and need to be encouraged to take responsibility for their actions. I always tell my students to be prepared for the unexpected. If they study hard and have good grades, then when the unexpected happens, the students will not have to beg for a hand-out. Of course, certain situations call for different reactions. I take into account each student's situation but still hold as close to policy as possible.
