Respectfully request to meet with the student outside of the classroom. Discuss with the student the responsibilities of the assignment and expectations of the class materials and guidelines set for the class in syllabus. Request of the student his/her response and request steps to accomplish goals.
Hi Brandi,
Awesome! We have to get students to see their role in the situation so that they can take responsibility for their own action.
Patricia Scales
One of the most important things I do with my students is have them self reflect. There may be other students who are disruptive or talkative, but how did the student being question handle that? Did they bring it up to my attention? Did they ask the student to be quiet? Were they participating in the conversation at all, even if was laughing at something that was said? Shifting the focus onto how we chose to deal with an issue is a great way to get students who blame others to see their part in the process as well.
I usually have the class break-up in groups and work as a team; assigned case study with class presentation. Usually the student that blames everyone and everything shows signs of acceptance in the group... its like they found their fit/home.
This is good, but we need to keep a positive spin on this.
In my experience, I would prefer to separate the groups and let them work individually. In this way they can realize that they need to be responsible for their work or probably they'll see that they have a great potential to be better students and eventually great professionals.
Hi Dirk,
I do the same thing. I use tactics to try to get students to understand that they are to take responsibility for their actions.
Patricia Scales
I try to use stratagies that force the student to take responsobility
For example "Ok I understand what you are saying how would you handle the situation diffrently?"
In my meeting with these type of students I always like to refer to the syllabus, calander, and outlines for the classes and we discuss how eveything has been "layed out" since the begining of the course; it holds them accountable for their actions.
Make them solely accountable and responsibile for certain task in the learning process which can eliminate them from passing the buck.
Having the students work in groups can help students who blame each other and helps students to cooperate with each other on class assignments and projects. Students working in groups will also allow students to get to know each other and become familiar with their classmates in a positive way.
Patricia,
One way to help a student understand that he/she is responsible for their own behavior and to discuss with them what is going on in their life. The first step to compliance is understanding the obstacles. One must first understand the issue to know there is an issue. Often times many people do not know what they are doing is wrong, disruptive or even offensive to others.
Rebecca Boghich
Hi Marianne,
When students mess up I help them see that it was totally their own fault. Students need to learn how to be accountable for their own actions.
Patricia Scales
Often there are numerous contributing factors when someone wants to blame others. Feeling inadequate or low self esteem can be 2 of these. Creating an environment where everyone takes responsibility for their own tasks requires modeling from the instructor, coordinated conversations that include peer feedback in addition to instructor input, and encouragement. Setting clear expectations with due dates and consequences can help.
Students like this must understand that the responsibility is theirs for the grades that reflect what they would like. I have had students say I could not finish the lab or assignment because he needed help with his or he was useing my tool ect. Sometimes you must be stern to let them understand in the field a customer will not permit inconsistancy. THEY ARE THE ONES THAT ACTUALLY SUGN YOUR CHECKS. A service manager can not be productive in his job if he lets the department become incmpetent. Himself as the service manager will have a short period at his position to let this slide by. One must be responsible to themselves for there involvement.
Pulling them aside and letting them know that you really believe they have the ability to be successful in the class and the field is important. Then you let them know that you are concerned about their inability to meet the deadlines. At this point you want to ask them if there is anything keeping them from getting the assignments in on time. This is usually when you get to the bottom of the problem and can offer suggestions to rectify the issue.
I always have a student who doesn't want to accept responsibility for them failing a test. When I explain to them that they had all the information available to them they sometimes back down and finally look at me and say you are right. They need to assume some of the responsibility before they can be successful in any field they choice.
Scott, I agree with you that this is a tough conversation to have with a student, but it is sometimes very necessary. I have a student who has fallen very badly behind in her studies due to her absenteeism. I called her in for a talk last week and heard her out on her frustrations with the teachers and the material and the outside concerns that are causing her to fall behind. I asked her if she intended to finish the program, which she is close to doing, and at first she wasn't sure. I reminded her of the money she had put into the course and that she would not get any of it back at this point. I also impressed upon her that she was, and is, a very intelligent young woman and has a bright future ahead of her if she will take the time to complete her studies. I offered to meet with her and help her in any way I could to get her caught up with her studies but reminded her that she was the only one who could ensure her success by taking responsibility for herself. She seems to have understood and has agreed to continue with the program. I think students like this need someone to reach out to them and get them to realize that they are their own worst enemies.
Accountability is then taught by holding them to the course requirements. They must learn this in school because it will be a basis for their career. Accept responsibility and accountability weather right or wrong with their decisions and actions.
I explain to them that I gave them a handout that lists when assignments are due and that it is also located on class moodle rooms page. I also make it clear what is expected of them. Even still, they will come up with some excuse of why they couldn't do it.
