Managing the Intimidator
Some students (intimidators)would actually inform you that they have made straight “Asâ€in all previous courses and if they do not make A in your course, it will deny them a 4.0 grade point. Do you think that perception of grades have changed to the extent that a solid grade of B is viewed by students as failing grade?
Austin Umezurike
Darrin,
Excellent point. Nice solution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
There's also what can be termed the "subtle" intimidator: the student who is also employed by the university. This student will casually let you know in an email that he or she works for the university and is fairly busy.
I believe it's a good idea to empathize with the student but "casually" let this student know that there's a rubric that will be used to assess all students' work. Then I will immediately begin to discuss the objectives of a particular assignment or remind them about an upcoming chat session. The student quickly finds that his or her "dual" status will curry no special favor.
Austin,
Unfortunately I do believe students, especially in the online environment, at times feel they are "paying for the class, and somehow equate that to "buying an "A." Anything less than an "A" and the student is not getting what he or she paid for.
I have found that using grading rubrics, with feedback on each element of the rubric often helps me to show the student where the points were lost.
Rodney C.
Barbara,
It seems faculty teams and management could work together to resolve this discrepancy. It may be a significant step toward resolution to discuss establishing standards and/or rubrics to this end. Of course, the discussion should always be directed toward the resolution and not toward any other faculty memebers.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I receive similar messages Grace, and I tell them that they earn the grade, and I don't it to them, and then I give them the same type of info that you do. Some students think they can intimidate the instructor with these types of emails. I have also found that students will complain about every grade the get, hoping that I will just give them an A to shut them up.
Yes, I believe that students who do not make A's think that any other grade is failing. I receive emails all the time about how the student has made As up until my class, and a C is not acceptable to them. I am appalled at how many of these students can't write, answer questions or discuss anything. It is disappointing to think that some instructors hand out As to all students, which causes problems when they get to my class. To me an A means outstanding work, not meets requirements.
Grace...
Very good approach...it is generally the one I use. The key is to avoid being negative or setting up an ongoing conflict.
Firm but nice.
Be awesome.
John
Grace,
This is an excellent message to convey to the student. Well done.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Yes I have found that to be true. I often respond to welcome emails from students letting me know right up front that they are looking for an A and that they hope to insure their GPA. I usually respond with a very encouraging and uplifting email response that lets them know how much I appreciate motivated students and students who are high achievers. I remind them that is critical to listen and participate (if possible) in all of my live chats, be sure to adhere strictly to the instructions provided in each assignment, take care to create papers that are substantive and clear and perfect in format, APA, mechanics and content and never to be late on any assignment. If they adhere to al of the course expectations and assignment criteria they should have nothing to worry about.
Austin,
I believe the perception of students varies greatly on this point. In my 13 years of teaching online (26 years in the classroom), I have found success in one to one discussions with "the intimidator" to establish my expectations and discuss the students expectations and desired outcomes for the class. Often I have found my assumption of the student's perception to be inaccurate in one or more ways. This one-to-one meeting has almost always proven to be a significantly positive experience for both the student and instructor. Thank you for the insightful question.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
