managing troubled students
How do you deal with students that are having family problems at home?
Hi Robert,
You make a number of good points about how to manage student behavior. The students have voluntarily enrolled and paid tuition to go to school. Responsibility for their learning rests on them. On the other by doing what you are doing you are giving them options and support for success if they are willing to use such support. This is what being an educator is all about.
Gary
I'm just a simple country physicist, so I refer students with home problems to the school's Student Service coordinator. Then I make allowances as necessary for late turn-ins of homework. If students miss tests or exams due to absence, I allow them to take these later(I must have these data in order to assign a grade). If a student is consistently late for class because of a continuing family problem (such as the need to get a child to school), I advise the student that this school experience is the time to resolve this problem, because we MUST be on time in the work place. But I do not penalize students in this situation; if they pass my course but do not solve this personal problem, they will wash out of the program later, even though I have been as supportive as possible.
I truly agree. We all have had difficult times and in many instances we can relate...giving extra time for assignments can some times make a major difference in a student's life..I have been there and I know how I was impacted by the extra time given to me..
One time in class the discussion went out control when one student added a statement to other student using incorrect vocabulary, After that the class was pointless. At the end of the class I talked to both students in private letting them know I would not tolerate in attitude like that in my class again. Next day before the class start out I mention to all the student that I will not accept any bad vocabulary in class or they will be dismiss for the rest of the day. With this experience I will make infancy for my next semester.
Hi Joan,
This is a sound approach to help students understand they need to meet deadlines and complete quality work. You have given some flexibility to situations that can occur to keep the students moving forward in their learning.
Gary
Depending on the situation I have allowed flexibility in assignments and such. I do however make sure the student keeps in contact regarding their academics to prevent them from taking advantage. If they inform me they are going to have the assignment at a certain time (with in reason to the actual due date) I expect it to be turned in. If not I generally will not allow any further extensions.
I agree that this can be a thin line. I've been advised to acontact my department chair for guidance, but just showing concern seems to help.
It is important that, no matter what may be going on in the students life, they have an instructor who truly does care for them. Enough so, that they may not be willing to bend the rules for that student during a time of hardship. I too often see students who have become enabled by their parents, instructors, and/or friends into believing that they deserve special consideration. It is important to determine whether the students problem justifies special consideration or if they should be encouraged to work around it to complete their school work. Obstacles are a part of life. Question is... will we break thru them or let them break thru us?
Listening, actively, is always important regardless of your students age or issue -- however I have found that students can sometimes take advantage of a sympathetic ear. Striking the right balance between sticking to the syllabus and bending the rules is a tough and something I continue to struggle with.
I also try to refer them to Student Services as soon as possible - I appreciate them telling me so I know if things are off -there is a valid reason. Depends on what the issue is. I have found that students appreciate someone just listening to them. I stay away from giving advice since I'm not "trained" in that area - I do however listen to them and then refer them to the appropriate people as soon as possible.
Hi Emily,
This is a good point that all instructors need to remember. We are teaching adults and with them comes life. Life can impact in many ways on the students' desire to be successful. So understanding of circumstances without compromising the standards of the course will go a long way in helping them to be successful.
Gary
I find I must focus on being sympathetic while keep a professional distance. This includes sometimes suggesting support services they could contact, but not ever offering my own personal guidance.
Teaching adults though, I always am aware of the fact that I have to respect their life emergencies -- and I know that if they have children, for example, the health of their child must be a priority before the class, no matter what, and I try to be flexible with turning in assignments for a student who is dealing with family illness, for example.
Hi Michelle,
Well said. These are great points to share with students to keep them engaged and focused on their future while facing the challenges of today. A compassionate instructor does much to further this effort. Keep up the good work.
Gary
It helps to keep them focused and engaged when you at least acknowledge that you understand that they are going through a challenging time at home. Remind them that everyone goes through things like that from time to time. Reminding them that school & class can provide a healthy "break" or safe haven from those issues & pressures at home helps to keep them encouraged & focused on the day's lesson. Showing compassion yet keeping them participating seems to be helpful.
In addition to what Dr. Meers have stated, if I believe the validity of the student's problem, I sometimes allow a little extra flexibility for that particular student. I may give them a little extra time to turn in assignments, I may set an appointment for the student to assist them with some of the concepts that they have missed during the lecture. Of course, this is strictly a case by case basis because there is simply not enough time accommodate all of the students' person needs.
im not really familiar with troubled students too much. but what I can say from others who have experienced them, taking time to listen to their issues helps them to understand that their instructors are there for them and care about their well-being. And that it's not just about retainning them in school.
Hi Maria,
Once I have been made aware of these situations I talk with the student(s) and then refer them to the Student Services Office as most of the problems are of the nature for which I am not qualified to handle. I want to make sure to get them the help they need and let them know I am understanding and supportive of them. I also let them know that they must do the required work of the course. Their family problems are real and need to be dealt with but I must also insist on them acquiring the knowledge and skills of my course. If I don't insist on such then I am short changing them of the education for which they have paid money to receive.
Gary
