Excuses....Excuses
I teach adult students and have a few students who refuse to participate in class reviews and class discussions. One particular student that flat out refuses to join in. I did talk to her privately and she continues to make excuses that she has other work she has to do that is more important than reviewing with the class. She is behind in a lot of assignments due to medical issues. She seems to want to blame everything on her illness. Do you have any suggestions on how to modivate her and the other students who make excuses constantly. These students also late on turning in assignments on time.
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Peaches,
I think this is such a good idea because they are reminded of where they want to be and the reminder is written in their own hand. This is so good when they get about three quarters through a course and get tired. They need some refreshing so they can stay excited about finishing the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
At my school for each new enrollment, they have to create an essay in orientation stating their reasons they wanted to come to school. If in the future if they start pulling away, we will show them the letter they wrote and they usually end up getting it together.
Julia,
Great suggestions for how to deal with students that use excuses to miss class or not complete assignments. They are not entitled to a grade just because they enrolled, they must acquire the competencies and knowledge in the course and that requires effort. No effort, no grade.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
These students are very challenging. It leaves me wondering why they are trying to stretch themselves so thin when they have health issues (real or imagined) to deal with that they so obviously cannot cope with. I agree that informing administration and your supervisor of the situation is very important. Another key component here is to document, document, document...every thing! As long as you can show that you made the effort to help this student but to no avail, then it will be easier for everyone to make that tough decision to fail/expel the student if it comes to that in the end. You can only help a student so far if he won't help himself.
Anthony,
Thank you for sharing this example of instructor support. You are impacting the lives of your students and helping them create a future. I commend you on your efforts. Keep up the good work!
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have a similar situation and yes documentation is key, I also teach adult and they come with adult issues and problems. One of my recent graduates came in as a drug user with legal issues and after 7mo. and helping him get probation rather than prison he was finally able to see the help I was trying to give him and finally took the help.
Kimberly,
I think you need to let your administration know about this situation and keep them informed at all times. The reason for this is two fold, one so they are not surprised should the students complain to them and two, if you need to remove students from the class they will know that you have done everything you can to help the students be successful and they chose not to participate. Document every interaction you have with your challenging students to protect yourself and your program.
If students chose not to participate then the results rest with them. Make it very clear what the results are for non-participation. I give Professional Points in my classes. Students earn them for being in attendance, on time and taking part in discussions, small groups, and Q&A sessions. The points are enough to help students move within a grade range. Set a time limit on completing late work or the excuses will continue. If the excuses are medical related have her supply documentation about the illness. The reason for this is to make sure it is real and two accountability on her part. You may also want to suggest that she take a leave of absence and complete the course at a later date since she is not keeping up and doesn't want to work to make up missed assignments. Be understanding, be firm and be consistent in your approach or students like her will continue to run over you and that results in the other students losing respect for you and your course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
