Student Frustrations
Every student one way or another gets frustrated about certain things in class. If a student has an issue I usually take the time during a break or after class to address the issue so that it doesn't get blown out of proportion. Also it shows that the instructor cares about student needs and are not trying to ignore them.
in working with student frustrations ,I believe that we as instructors should find out whyn they (the students) are frustrated and onced the issue is heard ask the student for asolution on they think is should be resolved. Depending on the solution, it might be worth looking into.
Hi Brad,
Good way to develop rapport with students. By being willing to listen and let the students know you are supportive of their efforts you are extending the development of respect and trust. These two elements help create the connection between you the instructor and your students.
Gary
I have found that listening to a student problems creates an opportunity for the student to be comfortable with the instructor. This provides trust and makes the instructor more approachable. Students may not be able explain what is really wrong at first, however, there may come a time when they are able to address the instructor with the actual problem if they know the instructor is receptive.
Hi Tammy,
You can't let a student take over the class with a gripe. By letting a student gripe mid-class about something not related to the content you have given control to that student. So you are doing the right thing by controlling it and moving the class forward. The griping student will soon learn not to bring up such issues or will remove herself from the class.
Gary
Hi Laura,
That is true in terms of often not being able to do anything about the situation but you were a listener. Sometimes this a a very important role to play for that student so keep listening and being supportive your students will appreciate it greatly.
Gary
Hi Kamen,
Even after trying your best to help negative students you still have them acting the same way so I would suggest you continue your methods of helping them in anyway but no longer spend time with them listening to them gripe or complain. I have found that some of them come around when they find out no one is really listening to their negative opinions so they start to talk about other things and brighten up as well as lighten up.
Gary
I guess it boils down to active listening, paraphrasing, and using clarification questions.
Maybe I'm too new to really have dealt with these issues. But most of the time if a student has a gripe that they bring up in the middle of class - I give them a little room to speak and then between myself and the other students its usually handled immediatley. I have only had one student that was just rude all of the time and after a couple of times with her trying to take over I basically cut her short when she'd start on one of her rants. The bad thing was that it just pushed the other students away from her because they didn't want to be a part of her negativity either.
I agree with you about the student may not be telling what is "really" wrong. I have learned from experience to let the student vent and usually before the end of the conversation, I learn the real reason for the frustration. The sad thing is a lot of times it is something that I can do nothing about.
Hi Kirk,
Right you are about some student complaints. What are some ways you use to sort out the difference between what the student is saying and what is really being complained about?
Gary
Well, I agree that the student frustrations are inevitable, but I am trying to reduce them by setting up clear sounding rules, goals, and expectations from the very first day we meet. Of course, addressing every particular case promptly is the only approach to stay away of aggravation. With positive students it works perfectly, but there are a small percentage of negative students, and it does not matter what you try, they usually stay negative. How do we handle them?
I agree, it is important to address the problem/concern right away. However, often times when a student complains about something...they are not telling you what is "really" wrong.
Great and very effective solution Adrian. I think addressing the issue early on is the best tool for everyone. I teach online Marketing and what I notice most is when my students get frustrated when they miss a test dead line or an assignment which was past due and they are not able to submit it any longer. I do my best to remind them about upcoming due dates and also ask them to call my cell number if they get bumped out or need a quick answer.
Very few students call, but prefer to use email instead. I prefer they call if they need assistance with an important manner - that way I can address their problem right away. Mary B.
I do this as well. It helps to get the student focused back on learning, rather than on the frustratiions.
