How Do You Reach Students Who Are Not Responsive?
I find that no matter where I place pertinent course information some students just do not "see" it. Invariably, these students are "lost". How to we get these students back in the groove of things? What works? Are there any tips for success?
Donna,
I have used Twitter and Facebook as well in my classes. We all find things that work for us and our students.
This maybe quite unusual but I have taught in some courses where 'Twitter' is used. Basically, students use the technology with positive results. I mainly rely on email to contact students who are MIA. Some respond while others are just totally gone. Donna
Theran,
My pleasure and I hope the other instructors who are adding to the conversation are enjoying the course as well. Thanks!
Phyllis and Thearan,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. Some of my colleagues also color code their announcements. For example, red text is a message about tests, green text is a message about an assignment, etc. It helps direct the students' attention. Thanks!
Thanks for your comments, it is nice to see how others handle various circumstances.
Thearan,
For non-responsive students, who have not submitted individual projects, I check to see if they are responding on the discussion boards. I then place a general announcement in large type for the class with the heading "IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT for the Class!
"Remember to submit your Individual Projects by the Due Dates. Please read your emails that have important information about the course. This will contribute to you having a quality learning experience and answer many of your questions"
I also place this short announcement on the Announcement Page.
Phyllis Gooden
Theran,
Are points not assigned to participation? That's how I do it. It works for me.
Thanks for your input.
This happens to often. I wonder if it is a generational thing. I place information in various places, announcements, discussions, and it seems they still do not see it, or if they do they do not consider it.
I have tried to stop being frustrated over this, and instead responding to inquiries in easy tones, and simply remind them where the information can be found in the classroom--of course after answering their inquiry.
Tip: Suck it up. Live with it.
Jeanice,
We keep trying and trying to help all students and they do need to help themselves too. Keep up the good work. Helping students be successful through what they learn in our courses is the goal. Thanks!
It can be difficult to be sure. I've called and emailed students and both have worked. Other times you are going to have students who just aren't going to do the work needed to pass the course. I learned a long time ago that you can't save everybody, but you keep trying.
Merle,
Yes, all students are different and have different motivations. It's important we understand our audience - our students - the best we can and provide content in a way that helps them learn. Additional tools and one-on-one help are helpful. I like to use peer help as well. Thanks!
Students enroll in college programs for a variety of reasons. As a result, the level of motivation and the persistence ability of the student varies. When I have students who may disengage, I reach out to them personally. Fortunately, I am granted access to the student contact information (phone, personal email). I try to build a relationship of trust with the student as a means of getting the student to share their challenges. What I often find is that there may be some aspect of the course content for which the student may be struggling. I try to offer additional tools....tutoring, one on one help, etc. I think that when the student builds more confidence, he or she is more likely to participate (assuming that the challenges are related to course content).
Sarah,
Many people pick up the phone and call. Glad you have found a strategy that works for you. Keep it up!
Miriam,
I email them personally and remind them to check their email and Blackboard daily. Sometimes I also post a discussion board posting and note: "Some students did not know the quiz was due today. What can I do differently to help remind all students?" They give me helpful hints, but they also begin to post things like "The student has to be responsible to check email and Blackboard." Then, their peers are telling them they have to be responsible, not me and that seems to stick. ;-)
I feel that regardless of how technologically savvy the student is, when they are non-responsive one of the most successful ways I have found to connect is via telephone. A quick call (even if I have to leave a voicemail) lets them know that I can still "see" them and reach out to them. Many times, this type of reach out re-engages the student in the classroom.
