Clarify what is on the syllabus, give daily class reminders what is due for the week, and give time for students to get all questions answered prior to an assignment due date. Keep in touch with the class, give positive feedback when the students do well, and listen.
I agree,listening to the student's complaint is the best choice, this also lets the student know you are willing to listen to them.Most people just want to be listened to.
rebecca
I think being consistent and instructor compliance with school policies and rules, their own syllabus and lesson plan is extremely helpful in reducing student complaints.
When instructors stray from their own rules or the schools it sets one up for students complaints--they are always looking for that weak spot in the levee.
Compliance ensures that the instructor can feel confident when they have to discuss grades, attendance or other issues with the students. If the instructor lives up to what they said they were going to do, then it seems reasonable to expect the student to meet course requirements.
Being consistent and adhering to your printed syllabus and NOT changing rules midstream all are important components in increasing student satisfaction. In addition being on time and ending on time, refraining from talking about personal matters and offering tutoring all help reduce student complaints. In addition by adhering to one's own rules and syllabus, when there is a complaint it enables the instructor to show the studtnt where the expecatations etc emanate from and facilitates clarification of misunderstandings.
Hi Tina,
What type of things do you notice whenver the climate of the classroom is changing?
Patricia
Hello Anthony,
At times the DOE and or Director must become involved.
Patricia
I agree. Understanding the source of the complaint allows you to provide additional resources to guide the student to the right place for resolution.
I think the biggest and best strategy is to counteract the complaints before they offically start. A good teacher can tell when the climate of the class is changing. A good strategy would be to give the students a chance to discuss the complaints and challenges of the class when you can feel the climate changing-- and I feel this would help the climate go back to where it was or should be.
Thanks,
Tina
When students have challenged me, which are infrequent, I listen. I find that most challenges are simply from those who have a little uncertainty in the completion of the course with a satisfactory grade. These uncertainties stem from many things I think, family etc.
after they have voiced their concern, in an empathetic tone of voice, I first state my position, while at the same time remembering what they have just told me, after the all of that, I think that we walk away from each other feeling that the situation has been resolved to both of our satisfactions.
Listening is key.
Hi Stephen,
Nice response. Sometimes complaints are beyond our scope, as you have stated, we need to try to put the student in contact with the appropriate person to help them.
Patricia
I feel that in order to reduce complaints, you need to know where the complaint has originated from. Listening to the student will generally tell you. If the complaint stems from circumstances beyond your realm, direct the student to the appropriate person/department that can assist him. If the complaint is about something that you can control, by all means, fix it. You need to look at yourself first and determine if the complaint is something you caused. Examples would be if the course outline didn't address all that it could. Did it meet the student's expectations? Was it thorough enough? If this is the case, talk to the student and explain what you will do to alleviate his concerns. This can also assist you in future presentations. If the student's expectations are unrealistic, this will be a good time to discuss why get and get the student to understand.
Hello Dorenda,
May I add, go over the syllabus and outlines with the students thoroughly.
Patricia
Ensure the syllabus and all project outlines are as thorough as possible. Try to anticipate possible questions.
Hello Sandy,
Listening really helps to reduce student complaints.
Patricia
Asking the student for constructive ways to improve.
Hi Joannie,
Students appreciate the follow up and the professionalism.
Patricia
Sending email reminders to the students to ensure they are up to date on assignments and what is expected for the next class has proven beneficial.
I have found that the best way to reduce student complaints is to listen. Most of the time students want someone to listen.
Hello Kasey,
What is your appropriate time for students to voice their concerns that do not distract from overall classroom activities?
Patricia
Clarifying any questions at the start of the class is helpful. Preparing course objectives that are valid to the material. I also find it useful to provide an appropriate time for students to voice their concerns that does not distract from overall classroom activities.
