How do you make a good impression when you have already been judged?
I had a situation on a new job where, teaching the last class before graduation. The problem was that I had to fail a student in this course. At that point I was suddenly labled as the professor that "failed the senior". The next semester the class I was teaching was so nervous and fearful based on the semester before...how do you go about changing that label? How can you make a good impression when you have already been judged?
I agree. I review and reflect on what I did, or did not do, in the previous class. Then I continue to make the next course informative and productive for the students
You did not fail the student; the student failed because of failure to meet the course onjectives and did not grasp the concepts
I agree with this comment, if you have been teaching for some classes already at that particular college, then you already have a certain reputation, either it is upheld or not in the following classes. You should continue with the method that you found most conductive for your way of teaching.
Many students will enter your classroom with preconceived notions about how you teach based on comments made by past students. You could address this issue head on ("I know that some of you have heard that I am tough and difficult...") or you could ask them to set aside preconceived notions based on possible rumors or innuendos and make up their own minds based on your interactions with them as a new class group.
Hi David,
Good point about maintaining standards and consistency. You have to be consistent with your policies, requirements and projects. If you don't set the standards for the course and then maintain those standards there is not point in having them. This way when students complete the course they will have the satisfaction of knowing they have met high standards that will help them achieve success in their career.
Gary
I agree. Letting people off the hook is not a good idea.
What is the point,other than personal pride in one's work, that would compel someone to do more than they really need to do? The reason we have standards and expectations is because some people will seek to do the least amount required. Unfortunately, as this post illustrates, some will try to do even less that even that.
If you let people get away with less-than-expected performance it tells everyone that your standards are just suggestions and the bar gets lowered.
Those who do take pride in their work will still do what they should, but they will resent you for not holding others to the same standards: cheapening their accomplishments and hard work.
Yeah, I do it as long as it fits into the discussion we are having and sounds natural.
I only don't use it when it would sound forced, which makes the sentiment come off as cheesy.
I don't worry about it.
There is nothing that canbe done to prevent students from talking. I have found that each class figures out pretty quickly that I am not the mean person that others have made me out to be.
Well said. You seem to have echoed the essence of this module quite well and succinctly, the important point being that students take ownership of their own learning and that the instructor is there for them to help them achieve it.
Hi William,
Good point and one all instructors need to understand as they proceed with their instruction. Students will blame shift if they can so they need to be held accountable so they can experience the pride of achieving success in school.
Gary
In 25 years of restaurant management it became clear to me that when I bent over backwards or didn't hold someone accountable for their lack of performance it diminished the accomplishments of those who were doing a good job.I have found rather quickly that the same holds true in teaching.
Hi Kendra,
Exactly right. Students can blame shift all they want but it is up to them to find a way to be successful in their courses. The student that got the F earned it. It was just given, just as was the A, it was earned as well.
Gary
Thanks David, I really like the "I usually include some version of how I want to give everyone an A" idea."
The failure was appropiate. My response to students when this issue was brought up was that I do not fail students but a student fails themselves when they dont meet the requirements of the course.
I'll echo what others here have already said. If you set good expectations for that senior, and they didn't follow through then that senior didn't deserve to graduate and the students should thank you for preserving the value of their degree.
I feel that my job on the first day is to let students know that I am there as a resource. I also let my students know what will be expected from them to pass the class; to learn what the school wants them to learn; and what they can learn if they apply themselves. I go through the course, answer questions and explain how my grading allows students with different strengths to be successful.
I usually include some version of how I want to give everyone an A, but am willing to fail those who do not meet the course expectations. I also ask them as a group to commit to doing their best and achieving their goals. They always do, so I commit to doing my best to help them as long as they let me know what they need. I've found that this lets them know I will help them, but the burden is still on them to seek me out.
I've heard students telling other students that they have no excuse for not asking me for help since I had them commit to doing so on the first day, and that I committed to helping them if they did so.
"...I had to fail a student in this course."
"... I was suddenly labled as the professor that "failed the senior"."
Did the student deserve the failure? If not, then the label is a slam. If they did deserve it, then what's the issue?
What, just because you made someone accountable for their own grades? Sounds like you did your job and are simply being the instructor that makes sure the student does theirs.
Change the "label" (which, don't look at it as bad anyway)by telling anyone who brings it up that you just held someone accountable for their own failures. But, if they listen and do their work, you don't have to fail them!
Hi Kendra,
I don't worry about it. I have a well developed syllabus, clear expectations and good relationships with the students. I let them make up their own mind about me. That is all I can do.
The senior failed because of something he/she did or did not do so even if you were blamed rather than the student you should continue your course of action. The students will soon see that you are fair, supportive and consistent which is all they can ask for from an instructor.
Gary
