Strategies to reduce student complaints and challenges could include:
Setting clear goals and expectations for the class up front.
Sticking to the goals and expectations.
Listening to students concerns.
Learning from your mistakes and adjusting if necessary.
I agree - you do need to stick to your own rules or studetns will use that as leverage to have you deviate from other rules.
Hi Kimberly,
Students need to be well informed. Being well informed does minimize complaints/confusion. Students also need to know on the first day those things you have mentioned, policies, procedures, rules, etc.
Patricia
I think you can reduce student complaints by making sure that you are fair and always consistant; as well as letting them know what you expect of them and how all policies and procedures work on your campus.
Hi William,
These are certainly great ways to minimize students complaints. I've even known instructors to have students sign documentation to attest that they understand all requirements. My procdures are very similar to what you do.
Patricia
Hi Kevin,
I like it! You really put a lot of time into these practices initially, but they save you a lot of time and headaches in the end. I use rubrics for projects/papers, and I always go over the test answers out loud with students once they are returned. I take discrepencies at break or the end of class. I like your method.
Patricia
I always find that setting the tone by claryifing the expectations for the course, and the instructor, on the first day of class helps.
For individual exams I take the exam up in class and provide the students with an answer key. The answer key shows them the correct answer, as well as the page number in the text where the correct answer can be found. This "extra step" helps address any immediate challenges they may have regarding their grade.
For individual and group papers I provide students with a grading rubric at the outset of the term. We spend fifteen minutes discussing it during the first week of class. The rubric attempts to define what an "A", "B", "C" and so on paper "is" for this class. I find that in addition to the specifications placed on the actual paper assignment this rubric is a useful tool to keep the students on track and lets them better reconcile their grade when the papers are returned to them.
To reduce student complaints, all significant aspects/procedures/and grading criteria need to be detailed in the course syllabus. Moreover, a thorough review of the syllabus, procedures, rubrics, and graded activites needs to be clarified during the first class presentation by the insructor.
Keep good, detailed records of all assigned work and participation.
Be very clear as to what your expectations are so students do not complain that they did not understand the requirements of the course.
Hi David,
I know; sometimes we simply have to sleep on certain things. We need to get the emotional part out and make a mature, professional, rational decision.
Hi Jayme,
I like the idea! It lets students know that they have a voice that will be listened to. I also like the formal method behind the idea.
Patricia
I think it is helpful to have a process by which students can have their complaints addressed. I let students know in the syllabus that they are free to challenge grades, etc., but must do so in writing. I then promise to respond in writing within 3 days. I've never had a students do this, but I like to have the option available so that students feel they have a forum and format in which to lodge any complaint.
Thanks!
Jayme Rawson
I think it is helpful to have a process by which students can have their complaints addressed. I let students know in the syllabus that they are free to challenge grades, etc., but must do so in writing. I then promise to respond in writing within 3 days. I've never had a students do this, but I like to have the option available so that students feel they have a forum and format in which to lodge any complaint.
Thanks!
Jayme Rawson
There is not a better strategie than to listen.Then apply as a famous philospher said wait 24 hr hours to process and respond.What will come out of your mouth to a student will end up being fair ,wise and un emotional.
Hi Gregory,
Absolutely, rules are to be made known early. I establish my rules on Day 1 so that students know exactly what is expected. Students need and appreciate structure. When there is structure, there is also control.
Patricia
Involve the students in the "process" of learning. Many students complain when they have no control. By giving them a stake, it helps reduce the perceived lack of interest on your part.
Another way to reduce complaints is to establish rapport and develop some form of complaint system (be it written or third party). Establishing the rules early will save a lot of issues later.
Greg
I try to have a quick assement with each student for about 3 to 5 minutes at the end of each week after the quiz has been taken.It is a quick assesment of thier strength and weakneses This allows me to communicte with students one on one which puts them at ease because they have a sense of where they stand on their performance in the class and grade average.
I try to make class requirements extremely clear on the first day of class . I read over the syllabus. Discuss homework, and when it is due. I let students know if there is any lea way in due dates and times. If I will or will not accept homework late. We talk about written and practical exams, tardiness and missed classes. Our school has a very specific make-up policy that we all follow, so I read it completely and ask for questions.
I am also very careful to document things, for example if a student turns in an item late, or not exactly when it is due,I note this on my grade log.
I find that the more specific I am the less issues I have.
Carol Kravitz
