Difficult students?
What are some of the tactics that some of you utilize when dealing with a student that is abrasive?
Albert,
Just because you "delete" it from the post doesn't mean you can document it. We set up our own courses in the LMS and have the right to delete inappropriate posts. Every institution is different. Thanks for the continued conversation.
I have asked my IT group at a traditional university if they allow faculty to remove posts on their LMS as Blackboard, etc.. I was under the impression that any misuse of the university code involving communication (including internet) cannot be changed unless a review was undertaken.... I believe the university's bias is towards maintaining academic freedom and to allow outside experts determine if a violation has taken place.
Albert,
Interesting. I think that the instructor should have the right to delete any postings that go against course or institutional regulations, but every institution is different. Instructors do judge students' work through evaluation and assessment and the posts my students make are a part of their grade. It's just interesting how we all do/see things differently.
Good day, I cannot respond on behalf of the my employer or make any official statements on behalf of my employer.
Consider that the student is a customer as well as a student. Their remarks and submissions are their property and cannot be easily changed or altered without their permission. An instructor could abuse their power by striking remarks based on the instructor's value system. By allowing the Dean to remove and change student submission, the instructor remains as a "comrade and mentor" rather than the judge and jury.
Albert,
Bummer. I wonder why? What is the basis behind not letting the instructor have this capability?
Thanks!
I do not have the authority or the capability of removing a student's post.
If I find an objectionable post, I submit a request for action to my Dean. The Dean has the authority to remove a student's post and to take any corrective action to prevent another unacceptable post.
Albert,
Do you have the ability to delete a post if a students posts something that is not acceptable? If not, what do you do? Thanks!
An email exchange is essential. I learn quickly if the student does have "uncivil" reasons for engaging other students. Some misconduct is deliberate. I call in the "troops" when I encounter a disruptive student... the Deans, the Adviser, my Lead Faculty will support the faculty in these cases.
Margarette,
I'm thrilled that you haven't had a need to remove post. That's good to hear. Thanks for your input.
I can report them to the proper authorities, I suppose, but I've never had a post that needed removing, so the issue has never come up.
And as for why I don't have the ability to remove them, I have never asked for a reason. I never felt that strongly about learning why probably because it's never been a problem in class.
Margarette and Albert,
What is the reason behind not allowing you to be able to remove posts? If they are disruptive, how do you get them removed?
That's a good approach, Albert. Wish I felt as supported!
I'm not allowed to remove posts, either, so I reach out privately to the victims (often one has alerted me) and to the offender.
Sometimes it was arrogance and there's nothing I can do but grit my teeth till the end of the term, but sometimes the offender is unaware of the impact of his or her words. Then apologies flow and all is well in the land. Sort of.
Usually, an email exchange with me at least stops it, but on occasion I will reach out to the student advisor, but if possible, I like to keep it "in the room".
Christin,
I delete them too and involve the Office of Academic Integrity. Keep up the good work.
Danielle,
Keep your cool and just try something a bit different. We have to keep trying new things. Thanks for your input.
First, I delete the discussion board post if it is offensive in any way. Depending on the severity of the post, I will either contact the student directly or have the Student Services Dept. handle it (if it's a more serious issue). I definitely take care of the problem right away, before it escalates or affects other students in the class.
This is great feedback and these questions are helpful. I appreciate this information, as I have had numerous abrasive students and have been very close to losing patience with them.
Patricia,
Many times I post a question back - "What suggestions do you have for presenting the content in a different way to help everyone understand better?" See what you get back. And, definitely post comments to the students who are stressing the importance of the knowledge. Thanks!
My concern is not the aggressive student, but the helpless student who goes onto the Discussion Board and FAQs to broadcast just how helpless they are. Inevitably, another student will chime in and agree. The complaints are generic "I'm not getting any of this - I'm sooo confused..."
It is frustrating, however, I have had other students chime in saying that they do get it and how important that knowledge is - I think that peer comments in this case carry more weight that the instructor.
Eleanor,
This is so true. Many times you can just ask - "What's up - you don't seem like yourself" and you'll see what's behind the action. Thanks!
