Get Your Students Hired
I speak with the student privately and point out that when you point your finger at somebody or something else, you have the three other fingers on your hand pointing back at you. Of course I say this as a bit of a joke or icebreaker, and then I explain that we all have problems in life, but communication is key. They have to squash the life problems and focus on the education.
This is the best advice I give my students. This is particularly important in the subjects I teach, because the only way to get any good at doing the task is to practice, practice, practice.
I actually disagree with the course material on this. I do not thing students who blame others need encouragement or support. I prefer blunt honesty and the "tough love" method, in my experience it has always yielded better results than the suggested enabling method
Often I will ask them to explain their situation (so they know that I do understand their issues) and then try to think of at least a couple of ways to overcome what is holding them back from their success.
Hi Robert,
I love it! When you mind these two businesses, things can be a lot less stressful.
Patricia Scales
I mention to the students that students have two businesses to mind, their business and nobody elses business. This usually leads to a conversation about focus and finish.
I have had the student come into my office and make a plan for when they will study and how long. This seems to be the biggest problem when they first come back to school. Most students seem to be willing to work if they know they need this information to be successful in this field.
By reviewing the situation closely with them, in the end trying to help them realize that they are in control of most situations and that others should not be to blame. Hopefully through having a conversation about it they will learn to better take responsibility for their actions.
I have students every day tell me their chef was supposed to send in their timesheet and they are 2 weeks behind. I ask them whos class is it so they know they are responsibel. I also tell them that if they want a ggod grade they need to make sure to follow up with me to make sure their paperwork was turned in. This usually gets my students to be more responsible. They tend to communicate better with me after the conversation.
Sometimes a frank discussion is necessary. I had a student who blamed me, other students, other faculty, EVERYONE for her issues. Her advisor and I both spoke with her about the actions we had observed that could be having a negative effect of her grades. She had never had anyone tell her honestly that she did x, y, and z and she was grateful that we took the time to help her improve. Along with offering honest criticism, we also offer a lot a positive feedback and followup.
Have them reflect on the reason they enroll in the program and whether they still feel that particular career choice is right for them. If that still remain their goal then they need to take ownership and be accountable. When those two variables are in place then faculty can assist them to succeed.
I had one particular student who blamed "the system" all the time. She claimed to have been certified elsewhere and this program was useless and redundant for her. I initially used the technique of listening to her concerns. As time progressed and the issue remained the same, but I failed to see she had a valid argument, I began trying to empower her. I let her know that her knowledge of the material could benefit the class by leading discussions and helping others. Once she felt validated and heard, she realized she didn't know everything she needed to and it was good to go over the material again.
Usually, students who always blame others for their lack of success will blame no matter what. As it was listed, put them into a leader position and step through how to become a better leader helps them to see in as a group.
I agree with Vincent Blanchard's approach and it is one I will incorporate into my classroom. Instead of allowing the student to shift blame, require the student to provide a way to be successful. Sometimes a student may be unaware that he/she holds the key to understanding lack of achievement. Others are fully aware, but choose to blame others... unfortunately, this is a behavior that is very difficult to curtail once the graduate is in the workplace. It is up to us as instructors to recognize this practice and proactively seek positive outcomes.
Kathy
In dealing with students who shift blame to others, I generally review the requirements again and break it down into a step by step process of who is responsible for what. Sometimes the students focus on the end result and don't understand how to reach that point, so by breaking things down step by step the project doesn't seem so unattainable.
Hi Andre,
You are right! I also like to try to turn the situation as to how this would apply at work so that students will understand that not accepting responsibility is frowned upon in the work place.
Patricia Scales
This is always challenging to deal with students who shift the blame. How I address this by letting them talk and than trying to look at the situation in a different like. Some times it is a quick to 2 minute conversation other times it takes longer to get them to approach the situation differently.
When encountering a student that shifts blame, I usually encourage them to use "I" statements in conversations. Further I restrict their discussion to what they have to contribute. This assists the student in reassessing their thought process and hopefully taking responsibility for his or her own behavior.
Hi Dawnyell,
I love it! Sometimes we have to help students see/understand that it is really their fault.
Patricia Scales
Hi Jeffrey,
You are right! Try being even stricter, tell them late assignments are not accepted. You really get from students what you expect. Raise the bar high and make them elevate to it.
Patricia Scales