At the end of everyday, When going over the day. I ask the students What worked today? What did not? during this time I also ask the students if they have any comments, or things they wish to discuss.
Hello Mathias,
What a smart tactic to use. I see how this can be beneficial in several ways. It is certainly an effective retention tool.
Patricia
Some of the ways I try and reduce complaints are at the end of every class we all as a group sit in a circle and discuss the success and failures of the day and start thinking about tomorrows pojects and challenges.
Hi Debra,
I tell my instructors you are the authoritative figure in the classroom. Make a decision and let me know what was done. As long as an instructor is being fair to all, I say go for it, whatever it may be, but be fair.
Patricia
Thank you very much! I appreciate that. It is very important for faculty to understand that they have authority over that classroom and as long as they are operating within the policies and guidelines of the University, they can do whatever they can within their power. Instructors have more persausive powers than they sometimes realize,especially for those students who are grade focused instead of learning focused. From what I hear from other faculty, they are so afraid of grade appeals or complaints that they are not willing to get their feet wet, sort of speak.
Hi Debra,
It seems like you have used these tactics before. I have, and they really work. The instructor needs to try everything before consulting the dean, and I can tell you practice this. You response is on point!
Patricia
One strategy is to provide course expectations and make them available as soon as students enter the class. This way they have time to read them over before any assignments are due, and they understand the rules and procedures of the course. So, when complaints come in, they can be referred back to the expectations. Other challenges require more attention than that. If there is a situation that needs more attention, the first step is to listen to the student and what their needs are, and ask them what kind of resolution they are seeking. They best approach is to find a common ground where both the faculty and student can come to an understanding and agree on a plan. Once that has been settled, they both can move forward. Only if no agreement can be reached, then as a Faculty member, I would consult with my dean for their opinion on how to approach it.
Hello Margaret,
What a great idea! Students want to know that they do have a voice. I can see how this system can prove to be very effective.
Patricia
My college does an anonymous "How Are We Doing?" for week 3 (we have 12 week quarters. This might help students feel they have a voice. I have received some good feedback and ideas from these forms. If there is a troubling comment or something you don't agree with, you can talk to a trusted co-worker, or your boss to ask their opinion.
Hi Anthony,
I do not let my students know about my prearreanged schedule or lesson plans, simply because they will definitely hold your feet to the fire, and they will panick on you if you were to get behind. Try this tactic, it will save you from a lot of headaches.
Patricia
I find that student complaints rise whenever I try too hard to stick to the pre-arranged schedule and lesson plans. When this happens I know it is time to slow down, survey the situation and to work in some kind of activity so that they can move around the room.
I find that I can more than make up for lost time in the next class because the tension has been modulated.
Hi Troy,
Being an effective listener is very important as an educator. We must make our ears available to all students.
Patricia
Meet with and talk to the student to see what is bothering them. Let them talk, sometimes just listening can help difuse a situation.
Hello Leonard,
Trust is key. Whenever your students trust you, they want to make you proud of them, and they will try everything in their power to be successful. The student works hard at not disappointing not only themselves, but you, as the instructor whom they trust fully.
Patricia
Hello Darryl,
Class discussions can be an effective way to reduce complaints and challenges as long as you, the instructor, remain in full control, and you do not let things get out of hand. I've seen both extremes, when the instructor controlled the setting, and when the instructor had no control and things got way out of control..bad situation.
Patricia
Class discussions are and effective way to reduce complaints and challenges but sometimes it is also effective if the challenging student is dealt with confidentially - to not have the student placed in the "spotlight". It reduces their embarrasment (some students are not aware that they themselves are challenges), and being the one to be "picked on".
No, one must always remember we are dealing with human beings. Human beings who have history, baggage and defense responses that are hard to predict and even more difficult read. Whether dealing with a teenager 'who has it all figured out' or a non-trad who hasn't been in a classroom enviroment in years you have to listen to the student and see where they are coming from.
The best I can hope for is that I can create trust in the student. If they trust me, understand that I have their best interests at heart, hopefully they will begin to see me as ally.
Hi Leonard,
It appears you have dealing with challenging students under control. Have these strategies always worked for you.
Patricia
In dealing with challenging students the first thing is to set clear goals and guidelines that allows them to undertstand what the expectations are. Second, sitting down one on one on a regular basis, creating a two way feedback loop, helps to create a channel of communication that allows for clarification, reinforcement and venue for grieveances and misunderstandings.
Hi Joseph,
Following the rule of consistency and fairness is a must. An instructor will run into all type of problems if unfairness and inconsistency are utilized.
Patricia
