Telephones
I find it helpful to sometimes talk with students on the telephone to aid in the reduction of stress over feedback and grades. Chris
Wayne and Ellen,
Providing your cell phone or home phone number to students is really an individual decision. I don't do it, but have a good system of contact and communication with students through other methods. Thanks for your input.
Hi Eileen,
I agree. I prefer maintaining a distinction between my personal and professional life and providing students with an "anytime" phone number can result in significant imposition on the former.
Even returning a call can be an issue with caller ID as the student then has my number.
Additionally, when interactions with students take place via phone, there is no record of the conversation or the ability to confirm what was or wasn't discussed or agreed to.
Another advantage of requiring students to put communication in writing forces a certain focus i.e. what exactly is the question and how specifically can I assist?
Dara,
Communication in general - no matter how you do it - should be carefully composed. Good point.
Thanks!
I agree. Email can be real and personal if you take the time to compose one carefully.
Dawn,
It is again a part of that community building that we are working on. Thanks for sharing.
Dawn,
Love rubrics. They help everyone involved. The students even see the purpose of using rubrics. Thanks!
It is nice to make a call once in a while. Especially since students only hear your voice in a Live Chat.
Rubrics are a big help. Grading is always tricky in my industry because the rubrics themselves can be subjective. For example, "has a clear understanding of the principles of graphic design". I do my best to be as clear as possible in my expectations however and do not have too much of a problem.
Dawn,
Yes, I have had students call about their grades. But, with rubrics and set expectations, good grading procedures, it's clear cut.
I just explain what they did and how to calculate the grade and the grade is what it is.
Dawn,
I agree. I have had students tell me that they cannot believe I took the time to call them.
Thanks!
I agree. Has anyone had a situation where the student badgered you over the phone about the grade? This has never happened but in an email it has.
Phone calls can be really encouraging to a student. I once had a student call me right before she went on an interview. She was nervous and I gave her a pep talk to get her confidence up. A couple days prior I looked over her work to make sure she was only showing the best of the best to the employer. It feels good to help students succeed and be a source of moral support. The only concern is that you can not always answer your phone when someone calls but just like email you can get back to them when the time is more appropriate.
Rolando,
The personal contact is important. Keep up the good work.
Without a question, I use the telephone starting the first week of the course to make personal contact with stragglers—usually with positive results… always following with an email. Rolando
Karen,
Seems like you have found a communication system that works for you. Thanks for sharing with us.
Chris, I find a telephone is so much more "real" than the texting and emailing. Long ago, that's all we had was the telephone. Now people hardly talk. So in the educational process, I feel it is highly important for instructors to address their students on the phone, and discuss any issues that may arise.
Albert,
Interesting how we all find things work a little differently for ourselves. It's good we try new things and see what works best for us and our students.
Hello, I find the opposite is true. I request or suggest the phone as a communication tool... most of my students reject the telephone and prefer live chat or IM
I believe that the students are "afraid of the discussion" for a variety of reasons.
First have you experienced this type of issue?
(P.S. I facilitate economics courses. Problems arise due to the nature of critical thinking and math skills that are required for the completion of the assignment.)
Dr. Eileen ,
Interesting. So, if they don't check their email, that could be a problem. But, I see your point about students calling at all hours. Seems like you have a communication plan figured put. Good job.
