Karen,
Good advice, sometimes student need to be reminded why it is important to stay open minded a you said "on-line is the wave of the future". sometime, some student do not like to move out from their comfort zone.
Susan
Patricia,
If the nipping in the bud will not work do you have any suggestion?
Susan
I agree, I once had a student say to me, "Why do I need to do this? I am never going to take an on-line course." I first reminded her that it was going to count as a quiz grade. Secondly I told her that on-line is the wave of the future, she may be expected to complete something on-line for an employer someday, and this would be a good introduction. I also said, that if someone is trying to teach you something, always keep an open ear and open mind, someday the instruction may come in handy.
I attempt to figure out initially what the negative outlook is about. Is it insecurtiy with the course contect or their abilities, is it past negative experiences, or simple a personality issue. I can usually tell by asking some simple questions as they are talking in class or I will pull them aside and ask. Once I sort the reason I try to assist them to find relevancy for course. If this is not an option for them, I discuss choices about whether they want to be in the course and how to professionally effectively handle a situation they have to be in. I then give them feedback regarding their behavior and how it could be applied to a professionally setting.
I am interested in hearing more of how others deal with this issue. I work with students who are new to nursing and the level of professionalism that is expected, and I always seems to have a handful in each class that think they know all that they need to know, before we can even get started with classwork. Obviously, they KNOW they need this class for their degree. What other "carrots" do you incorporate?
Hi Barton,
Good strategy! I can see how this would work.
Patricia
The way I try to "nip it in the bud" is to engage that negative student in class discussions where she can relate her expertise to the class materials. Usually, it's possible to do that using the background information I learn in "get acquainted" exercises on the first day of class.
I have been in this situation in the past and will not doubt that I will have to deal with this type of situation in the future.
What do you do? Give in and make the course less difficult? Make the course harder to make your point?
I feel the best way to deal with this type of student is to pull them aside when you notice the behavior and explain the class, what the objectives are and what you expect from the student. Although my tone is going to be neutral, I will have to let the student know that this is the class, this is the material to be covered...end of story.
We have all been in classes that we do not want to be a part of but you attend the class, do your best and get through it. Again...end of story.
Hi Jonathan,
Students love hands-on learning. The more hands-on activities you can provide, the happier the student.
Patricia
I engage the students the first day getting them into hands on learning and examples. this shows them what the course is really about and so far this style brings those people around to enjoying it
Hi Cindy,
It is important to know what our students are thinking so that we can better deal with any attitude issues. I like your ideas.
Patricia
Good for you! Me too. I am not at the college for friendship with the students; I am there to teach.
I cut to the chase. I am an English Instructor. I quickly tell them that they need this course in order to receive their degree. I tell them that there will be other classes that will not tickle their fancy, but they are necessary also. I also explain to them that good grammar and writing skills are necessary in the work force.
I may pull that studetn individual to see why they have such a negative attitude toward the course. Sometimes it is just their perception on the name or what someone else told them at that time I try to nip the negativity so their perception changes. Another thing I have done is ask the whole class the first day to write on a index cards what they want to gain from this class, How will this class help them in the future and what do they expect to get grade wise. It really gives you an idea as to what they are thinking.
Hi Carmella,
Nip it in the bud on the very first day so that it does not fester.
Patricia
