Hi, Patricia,
I think a student feels better served when, of course, the instructor is confident and competent. But mistakes can and do happen on technical things, demo, etc. I make a commitment to students to be transparent when anything goes wrong with a demo. If a mistake does occur, we can use it as a point of discussion. I can ask students what was done wrong, how to correct it and keep quality. It becomes a learning opportunity. In this way I build credibility. They also feel less afraid of making or admitting their own mistakes if they see that I've made one, too, and made no attempt to cover it up. Mistakes can be valuable!--Gary O. Ackerman
make sure that we have given the clear and constrctive guidance.
Clarity of expectations is EVERYTHING. Our students complete projects that require some subjective grading. I provide detailed instructions for each assignment, along with a copy of a very detailed grading rubric. I also make extensive comments while grading - both positive and negative - explaining why I gave/removed points. This takes some effort on my part, but has largely eliminated complaints about grades...worth every extra minute!
Hi Rosemarie,
You're right! As instructors we need to be on the same page. All instructors should enforce rules, policies, and procedures, otherwise those who do enforce regulations are made out to look like the bad guy.
Patricia
It is important for all the instructors to be on the same page as far as expectations of the students and also following through with consequences of the student actions. Some students can be very manipulative and try and play one instructor against another. This in itself can cause alot of confusion and give the appearance of incompitance on the school as a whole. Periodic and documented instructor meetings regarding student complaints and challenges are the key to ensuring that the instructors are on the same page and that they are dealing with situation in a compitent manner.
Hi Lori,
What do you do to miminimize student complaints/concerns? I make sure expectations/requirements are very clear.
Patricia
Hi Lori,
It is always good for students to have something to reference. Just remember, we can always reference things at work, and afterall we are preparing our students for the real world.
Patricia
I love the idea about giving a dealine sheet during the second week of class!! I think I will do that with my classes from now on. You are so right. It can be overwhelming for a student the first week or two with all the defferent rules, policies, procedured, deadlines, expectations, etc. This dealine sheet is just another way to reenforce when things are expected in a clear concise manner.
Have a well written syllabus can cut off alot of the complaints and challenges. If they know from the beginning what to expect and that as a rule you don't deviate from that, they will not challenge or complain as easily.
Hi Michael,
Every day you must enter your classroom with an abundance of energy/enthusiasm. We owe it to our students to give them everything we have...teach to your fullest extent.
Patricia
Being clear in the syllabus is a key starting point
I believe student complaints can be reduced by making sure that the teacher conducts an engaging class every day. I always say that "a student should feel like they can't wait to get into class, not to get out of it". If an instructor is able to vary their delivery methods and use multiple methodologies, the classroom environment will be more engaging and welcoming.
Hi Jerry,
Listening is key. Sometimes students just need you to hear them out.
Patricia
At the end of a term, I hear a lot of students that are upset that so-and-so gave them a C or an F for a class.
I try to alleviate this in this way...I make sure to tell students in the beginning of the course, that the grade the get in a class is not what I "give" you it is what you "earned". Everyone starts out with an A in my course and it is up to them to keep it at that through completing homework, attending class, studying for tests, etc. It is a different approach than most of them come in to the class with and many seem to respond to this idea very well.
The copmplaints and challenges I sometimes face as a (longterm) substutute instructor often put me in a very difficult position if the syllabus is not spelled out in detail. Then I have to negotiate a policy in relatively short order to keep the peace. I generally ask the students to think about the issue for a day and I think about it as well. Then we meet on the issue and work to a reasonable fair solution.
LISTIN TO THEM AND ACT CORRECTLY
Hi Dennis,
Subjectivity can really spark concerns and complaints from students. Grading should be as concrete as possible to minimize student complaints.
Patricia
Using a standardized method of grading using a rubric and engrade. These tools take the subjective out of the grading significantly.
Hi Alethea,
We have to be great sounding boards. Listening is key!
Patricia
