First I would tell the student that there is a reason for this queston and it will be discussed in the next activity. I would state that this is a build process and they will soon see my rational.
Shirley,
Well stated. Yes, individualizing the approach according to student type and likely motivation cab be very helpful toward a quick resolution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I would handle this by replying to him/her right away.
I would also state that the assignments are carefully selected and crafted to provide one with a good knowledge of the materials. Perhaps that student might not be interested in a General Education class that does not have bearing on what he does, however it is still very important to understand the material.
Perhaps this learner is trying to intimidate you into giving them a better grade. So you have to udnerstand the learner type and approach the style that they have by understanding the motive for which they have written you that email.
Shirley Chuo
John,
Your commitment to not let the situation deteriorate into an arguement is a key factor. Very good.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Kathy,
Maintaining your composure and authoritative demeanor is an important factor. Very well done.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Stacy,
Well stated. Soliciting the students recommendations is a terrific touch. Very nice.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Alan,
Providing a basis for your credibility can be very beneficial to providing the student confidence in you as the leader of the class. There is a 'trick' to stating it in a manner that will enlist the student to your team. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Amy,
Not at all. Having a mindset to accept all student communications in a positive manner is a great position to take. Hang in there.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I would send personal emails to this student. The student must be told that the assignments are required to complete the course. And I would inform the student that cooperation is so important from students in an online class. I would not be negative, but try to provide motivation and encouragement to the student. And I definitely would not argue with the student about the assignments.
As an online instructor I have this student and I very calmly and thoroughly explain to her why this activity is important and how it will benefit her and then I ask for her input. If she has different ideas and I can incorporate them into my class, I try to do that so she feels she has some input and that her ideas are important. This strategy has worked well with her in the past and keeps her motivated and happy.
I would inform him that I appreciate the feedback and welcome it at any time. I wouldn't want any students to feel as if they thoughts and perceptions weren't valued. I would encourage the student to take time to not only review the assignment questions, but to also explore the responses because the connections might become more apparent once that takes place. Finally, I would ask the student for any suggestions he or she might have to further validate their experiences but also inform them that for the current session, the assignments are already in place so it's important to excel at them.
I would thenk him/her for the email and then discuss related relevant issues in the real world.
I would pose a question asking him/her if the example has indicated the relavancy.
Also, I would mention my years of experience in the corporate world and as a facilitator and that I felt this was a valuable use of time.
I must be an oddball, because I love it when I receive emails like this. I would thank the student for touching base with me on his concerns, and ask for him/her to elaborate and offer recommendations. I would explain that the course has been designed by a committee of faculty members, and that I will thoughtfully pass along his/her recommendations for consideration. I would explain that student input is invaluable and his/her recommendations can improve the class for future students.
Jeannette,
This is a very strong approach. Having the student implement problem solving is great!
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I would clarify how they are related to the course outcomes and tie them into something relevant to the student. In the case where the student might actually be correct, I would ask them to provide their version of what should be included and encourage buyin to the design success.
Earlene,
Yes, requiring more specificity and clarification may be a great way to allow the student to re-examing his his questions, which could provide additional insight for him. Very good.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
First I would check the validity of his questions. Then, I would remind him of the course outline. I would also engage him him to more specific in his statements, because there may be a chance he just didn't understand the assignments. E
Melissa,
Your astute observations about Tim's post are very helpful. Well stated.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Tim,
I completely agree with your statement. By postivly encouraging the student to participate, hopefully he will better understand why you assigned the assignments/readings you did.
I also like the idea of flipping the script and having the student provide feedback and different discussion questions. We as instructors teach our students, but often times, we too can learn from them. Bu having the student post a question, it might lead to a very interesting discussion and take a whole new twist or prespective.
Coleen,
To turn this into a positive collaborative instructional experience (when feasible) is a great idea. Thanks.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
