handling students
I feel students need a strong instructor, they want to be told what to do and be lead. they are not leader's, they want to follow. they want to know how far they can push you, and if you stand your ground, they know when to back off, and do what they are told.
just recently I asked a student when they went to lunch and when they returned from lunch (I needed the times). They spent 30 minutes dancing around the answer, changing their answer everytime I clarified/restated what they said. Then came back and spent another 20 minutes telling me that if I had told them "why" I had asked them the question they would have been better able to answer my question. Boy, I was stumped. It really was a simple question. This led me to a perception that the student was not being honest and perhaps manipulative. Next time, I will not allow them to consume my time. I need to keep them focused on the question and answering it and time-limit the conversation. Also, maybe I'll have them write down their statement/answer to the question. Wow, that was a good learning opportunity for me.
Hi Gregory,
You are right! I can tell you take a firm stance with your students! Continue to be firm and do what is best for your students.
Patricia Scales
