When a student wants to blame others or me, I break down the situation into questions that can be answered by "me" (the student) or them (who they are blamming). this will often make them realize who is at fault
I have only been an instructor for a short time and have noticed a few students who blame others. How I dealt with them is by grading accordingly. The guys who could never get to class on time would lose points on their grade. If they turned something in late, it is only good for half credit. The students started to realize they can’t pass this class without making sure they got here on time as well as turn in assignments. I am hoping that they will realize that the professional world wants you on time and accountable for everything you do.
I will get the student to redirect their focus on themselves and ask questions like, "What could you have done differently to ........." Most of the time it works.
I always sit them down and have them list their challenges and ask them to also brainstorm how to deal with them. Prioritize their goal structure and then to use critical thinking to consider the long term effects.
Hi Teresa,
The key is to resolve the problem, otherwise we are just putting a band aid on the wound. We need to fix things so that things become better.
Patricia Scales
Lt is important not to become crutch regarding relaxed student behavior in the area of accountablity. Remind the student of his obligations and goals discuss options to over come the issue when and if it arise again. Equip the student with knowledge and resources to help knock down those barriers and obstacles before they happen. Fixing blame can do more harm than good due to the fact that the problem is still above surface with no solution.
I try not to be confrontational. But I often remind them that they can't control the actions of others anyway, so it's important for them to focus on what THEY can do be accountable.
I will have a personal discussion with the student to find out what is really going on. I have experienced that usually there are many problems of a personal nature going on with that student.
I had a classic example of "shifting the blame" this week. A student was removed from her extern site because she was not performing her skills and refused to do some things that they asked her to do. Of course when meeting with the student it was "everyone else fault" at the site. After hearing all the excuses, one of which was because of her religion, they didn't like her, I said, "so that is a reason for not performing your job duties?" She really didn't have an answer for me. We are a very student success oriented school, but at some point the student needs to start taking responsibility for their own actions. Some very young students have problems with this. The realization of the consequences will hopefully change her way of thinking.
Thats right we should never give up on our students.
It is not often that I have students blame their lack of understanding about a subject on others around them. But when this does occur I ask the student what could be done differently to ensure that they are receiving the information the are required to know upon finishing the course. I also will divide the class into sections and teams so that students are required to participate.
I listen to the student (let him/her vent) and then discuss what solutions are available. I always try to let the student know that I care and that I am available to help with the skills/course content. I always try to help the student to succeed.
Hi Jae,
I love how you put the responsibility back on the student. Students have to realize to take responsibility.
Patricia Scales
I remind students that the discussion pertains to them personally, not to others and encourage a solution based conversation. I also ask that they try to put themselves in another person's shoes: what would they think/how would they feel if another student blamed them for not accomplishing a task?
A strategy I have used is listen to them explain one person who is to blame for thier lack of success and the I ask them what they could do differently to get their work done instead of focusing on that one person. I try to get some brainstorming on a couple of ideas - help them see they are the over all decision makers of getting their work done for class.
Hi Cheryl,
Great questions to present to students so that they can see the big picture. I also like to apply the situation to the workplace.
Patricia Scales
In these situations,I think that a one-on-one conversation is best. If a student wants to blame others, I would say that you can never control what other people do, you can only control yourself. If you want to see a change, you must first change yourself. I would ask the student what he/she believes is within his/her control in the class and together we can focus on taking those actions towards being successsful. Also, I think its great to show that are other students who are successful in the same class with challenges as well. I would ask the student what they think successful students are doing to achieve their success?
by having a conversation with the student and giving him/her full atention you can always re-direct that energy for them to understand what the issue really is. there is no reason to ignore a student or not to take serious their concers.
We use accountability and have the students make the choices. It teaches them responsibility while they realize that they are the one the did the procedure their own way and it didn't achieve the desired results. We try to guide them in the right direction, but at the same time let them take the fall so that they can see what was done wrong and figure out what should be done to correct the error.
Hi Nancy,
I like to turn this into an employer/employee situation and have the student give input. Some times they see it when it is presented from this perspective.
Patricia Scales
