How to get instructors to consistantly enforce common class rules.
One of the biggest dilemas is getting all instructors to enforce common class rules consistantly. Everyone may have specific rules for their class, but all schools have specific rules that each instructor should be following. When this does not happen it ususally ends in chaos.
How can this be successfully remedied?
I always follow school rules and I tell my student I dont make them but i like them and will make sure they are followed.
Hi Faye,
I concur! This is one of the same complaints that we get from employers that our students lack soft skills. I make it a point to teach soft skills in Professional Development, and I exemplify it in every class I teach.
Patricia
We do have 10 set rules that are posted in class-other rules are negotiable for the instructor to determine, such as accepting late homwork or make-up assignments. What I would like to see more focus on is EVERY class should be teaching Soft Skills. Adults should be professional in class because that is what they need to survive in the work force.
One of the most common complaints we get from employers regarding our internships is that students lack soft skills. They expect a break every 50 minutes and they see no problem in making it a long break.
SOFT SKILLS need to be taught and roled modeled in every class.
I think it is important to keep communication with instructors open to attempt at keeping the grey area minimal. Maybe having monthly meetings to discuss any issues instructors are having with enforcing classroom rules. It is also important to make sure everyone has the same basic rules and the same basic consequences. It is easy to want to be lenient on the 'superstar students' but I also think if the student is a 'superstar student' that is because they have respect for the rules and are going to be more understanding of the consequences.
Hi Heather,
This is very real in the workplace. It really is human nature to cut those who perform well some slack verses those who always have one excuse after another.
Patricia
Hi Maryrose,
I hear you loud and clear! It is human nature to want to bend some for those students who are always on point, but rules are for everyone, excellent, good, and poor students. It is always something to think about, but just think about all those times you did not bend the policy for students. Consistency is key when it comes to enforcing policies.
Patricia
Mary I think I would have to agree. It's much easier to be lenient on the student who constantly meets requirements, and not give the same leniency to someone who consistantly forgets assignments or does poorly on tests. It doesn't seem fair but even in the work force things are performance based. The better you do at your job, the better the chance of someone cutting you a break when the situation warrents.
I honestly don't see how. There are so many different "grey" areas to how each instructor runs their class. I know I struggle with the student who always has their homework in & always is in class...but... the one time they forget the homework I find myself swaying to make an exception because they are an exellent student. So it begs the question. Why should she be the exception? My answer... I feel that due to the fact that she is an excellent student a bit of grace should be shown to those that deserve it vs the student that is not showing any sign of trying.
I think being as clear as possible in the syllabus and on the first day when giving the introduction to the course/class sets the tone for the class. Then reinforce the rules each week through deadline reminders and daily for turning in assignments. My career school allows students to turn in an assignment late with a 10-point penalty if before the due date. After the due date, the assignment receives a grade of zero.
Hi Faye,
I hear you loud and clear. The Director of Education needs to get involved, and deal with those who are not enforcing rules. It makes it extremely hard for those who are enforcing rules when you have other instructors letting students get away with murder.
Patricia
I think that to successfully remedy this there has to be a concensus of what rules will be followed and what will not.
