Trusting Issues
I have a question of need to all of you. Lets say that you have a class of students who are angry and frustrated with the schools policies and brings this negative energy into the classroom every day. We do our best to keep the energy positive, but in the end it always turns negative. Could it be a case of senioritis or a case of why bother anymore.
Hi Rebecca,
Great list of ground rules. They are clear and focused. No confusion there. The students can see how the class will operate and they know what the outcomes are going to be. Way to go in getting the class off to a good start.
Gary
Setting the ground rules from day one is important. Being honest and blunt about how the class attitude will be....
1. Be friends with everyone
2. Be mindful with personal info you share
3. Focus on your education, it's your time and hard earned money.
4. Leave troubles at the door,making class a safe and happier enviroment.
5. Teachers have so much info to give you, we care about you but...personal drama's only hold the class back.
6. The journey is short,enjoy it.
I couldn't agree more. It's our job to make the students forget about all the negativity in the world and make them focus on what they came to school to do. i give them what they need and want in class, and try to squash any negativity when they come up.
IF they stay positive, they will learn more and want to learn more. The more positive people we get in class, the more the whole class learns.
Hi Steven,
Well said. You have a great strategy for dealing with complainers. As you say once put into perspective the individual issues generally aren't that great so they go away. This also teaches the students not to complain as much since they are being taught that results are more important than complaints.
Gary
Let's face it--people love to complain, and it's a favorite pastime of tired, harried students. When I have students who file in all eager to decry life's injustices, I just nod and agree with them that much of what they are dealing with is wrong or imperfect. But then I always ask this question: "What are you doing about it?" And then I just shut up and listen. Often the answer is, "Nothing." I then remind them that life is not what happens to you, it's how you deal with it. Teach students that they have to take ownership over their lives and the whining dwindles. Complaining is much easier than taking positive action--which is why so many love to complain!
I agree with this response. I go to class each day with the mind set that both the students and I attend with the intent of getting the most out of the class this includes coming prepared, being an active participant, good listener and open
The issues are not what the administration can do for them, but what can I do for my students?There will always be some friction between certain students and the administration, but I try to stay above that argument and explain to the class my responsibility to the class as a whole. I try to stay professional about the whole situation and do what i am responsible for. If I make the class fun, entertaining and professional, then the students will see that I am doing my best to give them their monies worth and let them forget for a short time their challenges.
Hi Germain,
Right you are. We, instructors need to work hard at keeping a positive attitude toward our course and our students. By having such an attitude we will influence the behavior of our students and keep them engaged in the learning process.
Gary
I always try to get a positive view even if it is hard to find the students should see the good side of their education and keep the goal in mind
Hi Glenn,
It could be a little bit of both. When I encounter this type of behavior I address it with whole class and then I talk with the students individually. If the continue I stop the discussion at the point it turns negative. After doing this several times the problem generally ceases since the students quickly learn that class time is not a forum for negative discussions. I encourage them to take their issues to the administration and not bring it to the classroom.
Gary
Hi Mark,
Lack of administrative support is always a challenge. It make it real hard to stay motivated just as you say. What I try to do when faced with such a situation is to do my very best to show what can be accomplished with the students. I also, have relocated to another college that gives me the support I need to do the best for my students.
Gary
I think it is a case of "why bother". We can set-up a trusting environment in the classroom, however, if Admin. does not have the same feeling towards the student the student picks up on that. I mean they can only bang their heads against the wall for so long before they give up....Don't we get that way sometimes?
