I think I see the process even simpler (perhaps) - that, "Listening is the highest form of respect" is immediately obvious when my students discover that I actually listen to them - attentively - and appreciate their thoughts and ideas.
People seek validation as a form of respect. Everybody is entitled to an opinion and all opinions are equally valid (although not necessarily equally valuable). When I have a discussion going and someone expresses an opinion that is questioned by another student, I comment that disagreement does not make the original speaker wrong, and then I ask the original speaker to elaborate (justify his logic) for the basis of his statement. Then I ask the disagreeing speaker to justify his basis for disagreement and so forth.
In regards to student complaints, each one is listened to (1-on-1 or group) and analyzed as to whether it is a comfort complaint or an educational complaint. Educational complaints that are found to be legitimate are corrected in the most expeditious manner, as are those comfort complaints that could be harmful to the students. All other complaints are handled in the order of established priority.
Students that present a challenge are dealt with according to the specific area of concern: the wild ones (those that give the impression that they are not particularly interested in learning) should be given enough work so they just do not have time for foolishness; the noncooperators should be teamed with others who are friendly and have a natural ability to get along with people; and the chatterers who may be subdued by giving them oral reports or other assignments requiring considerable talking.
we use accelerated learning techniques to enable student to own the class
Hello Rachel,
Students really do welcome an open door policy. There are many students at the career college level that need encouragement. We are in this business to share our expertise, and you are exactly right by telling students their hard work will pay off. You will feel most proud whenever you get those phone calls, cards, notes, etc. stating, you were right, "My hard work is paying off."
Patricia
I also utilize the open door policy and encourage students to stay after if needed if they have any questions or concerns. At times, I have run into a few students who feel as if they are being "pushed to hard" and I offer them my assistance by trying to encourage them and letting them know that all of their hard work will pay off in the long run.
Hi Ken,
You are absolutely correct! Address the issue immediately. If you as the authoritative figure purposely ignore issues, the matter will only get worse. Once students know where the stand in your class, you generally will not have any problems because they know you will not tolerate such behavior. I have had students that will show out in other instructors' classes, but they are an angel in my class because they know I will not tolerate certain behavior. I nip things in the bud immediately. I am a stickler for the school's rules, policies and procedures, and my students know this.
Patricia
When observing a student who appears to have issues,I feel it's important to address the problem as soon as possible. Problems that are allowed to linger can certainly lead to other problems with not only an individual student, but with other so-called non-problem students as well. Having a clear cut understanding of how problem situations can and will be resolved as described in a Student Handbook for instance, helps all students realize the course that can be taken to fix issues and mend those things which need mending.
Hi Linda,
Students tend to enjoy a small class setting. It is certainly to your students advantage to have two instructors for six students. The one-on-one attention has to be awesome. I love it when I can have one-on-one with my students; I encourage them to pick my brain as much as they would like. Please try having a dsicussion after your clinical session; you and your students will thoroughly enjoy the discussion. You are most certainly welcome about the great idea!
Patricia
We have a small class setting. We have two instructors for six students. The students get alot of one on one. We have discussions before our clinical. After reading your response I think it would be good to have a dicussion after our clinical session as well. Thanks for the great idea.
Hey Robert,
At my school students are given advisors as well. I agree with you, the student must be comfortable with their advisor, therefore, giving students the option of choosing their own advisor is great. I have had many students come to me to simply say, I am uncomfortable with confronting a particular teacher, and I am comfortable with you as my advisor, please help me. I immediately tell the student how we will proceed.
Patricia
At our school, our students are given advisors. They can use the advisor given to them or they can choose their own. We want the student that has a problem to feel comfortable with their advisor.
Hello LaDonna,
Students want to know that you are available to them. They love to ask, will you be available, and when you can respond yes, you see the tension eases. I've had students tell me on numerous occassions, you listen to us. Students want you to hear them out.
Patricia
Hey Deborah,
I understand exactly what your are talking about, I currently have four students in my class that I advise. It is nice having the students in your classes that you advise, not only do you get to know them better, you get to monitor their attendance and actions to determine if there are any red flags pertaining to the students. Daily contact with the students you advise is certainly a good thing.
Patricia
I do agree with the open door policy. I also let the students know that I am available during several times throughout the week to visit with. I also make sure that the students are aware that I am willing to listen as well as learn from my own mistakes.
I also have small classes. I find that being a faculty advisor helps in my classes as I know these students better. I will alo use the info cards.
Hello Pam,
I practice the open door policy too. Students love to feel that they are welcome. I typically have small classes as well. This module I have a class as small as four students. At the beginning of each module our students are assigned mentors, which are like advisors. The mentoring program works well because the mentors make it a point to check on their students weekly. Students quickly realize that the mentors are in place to help them. Students love to know they have a designated person they can go to with concerns, issues, problems, etc.
Patricia
An open door policy has always worked for me. My classes are generally small. At the beginning of each semester our classes are divided up and each student is given an advisor. Students quickly learn that the advisor is there to help them and to listen. With this kind of support system, student complaints remain at a minimum.
Hi Godo,
You are absolutely correct, students do look forward to class discussion, and they love the feedback. I agree, discussion can be very visual for both the student and the facilitator. Through discussion, we can determine if anything needs to be changed--it is like we can see it. I have seen students open up more due to having class discussion. The students become more comfortable and begin to share more due to having class discussion. Discussion is a good tool to help minimize nervousness, shyness, introvertness, etc. I thoroughly enjoy class discussion.
Patricia
I do beleive and agree that class dicussions are great Patricia, I usually do what we call in the military an AAR (After Action Review)following completion of a lesson, and/or hands-on skill; they actually look forward to these discussions because they like the feedback even if it is not so great. It helps them see what they may need to change, it helps me see what I MAY need to change, and amaizingly, it helps minimaze stress and nervousness. Ofcourse also, complaints are near zero.
