I always try to find a way to help the student see that they are responsable for their own actions. I currently have a student that likes to think he is thee foreman of his group, and then blames them for mistakes. This student has begun to see that he also has responsability inside the group, because his personal mistakes have cost the group both time and points.
they need to be able to own the responsibility of anything that they are held accountable for
First, seek to understand. I have asked the student to explain why it is another's responsibility. That has worked with some students. With some students, this behavior has worked for many years. I try a root cause analysis with them in a one on one setting to find the starting point of the problem. In one instance, I discovered a student had difficulty with reading and comprehension and needed additional tools.
I try to revert the attention back to the student. I also offer them praise and confidence as I find many students answer questions wrong because they second guess themselves or because they over think the question. I try to create confidence within them so when they are in the test or quiz, they don't over think or second guess. I always tell them to contact me with me any questions at the end of every class whether it be by phone, text or email. I also go over other places where they would be able to receive help; i.e. tutors, library workers, other students.
I will give the class an example of something that I did in my past, when I tried to shift the blame to someone else. I will then explain how I was made to be help accountable for my actions! How over the yrs. that it is ok to say I messed up and I have learned from my mistakes.
I have experienced a student who began missing classes and assignments, and then attempted to shift the blame to our school's portal and email. When brought up with those concerns I asked the student to try other methods of assignment submission and even suggested turning in assignments early to identify the problem before it was due. Unfortunately this did not help because the student had transferred schools, moved, and was already mentally checked out of all classes. Had the student been more engaged I think we could have worked around technology issues.
I like to relate real world job experience and agree with the group/team project work that brings about first hand experience for them.
I have had extern students who just fail to show up without calling. I take this opportunity to explain that in a real work enviroment their job could be on the line.
I like your detail, Diana. I can see how really important it is to be clear with the course expectations and assessments.
Hi Robin,
I like how you jump on the problem immediately, and you are willing to offer advice to resolve things.
Patricia Scales
When students shift blame to others I will always wait until class is over and ask the student to stay or take them to my office and ask them what is going on? If they score bad on a test they will admit to me they didnt have enough time to study for their test..I will then tell them of studying methods to use rather than wait until the last minute. For example have study groups, seek a tutor, stay after class for 10 minutes everyday and I will help you.
This is great information for a new instructor like myself. I have learned that you must be extremely thorough and not assume that students "get it" right away.
Emphasize the expectations.
Have one on one solution based conversation
Make the students responsible and accountable
Emphasize the expectations.
Have one on one solution based conversation
Make the students responsible and accountable
I agree with you about giving them expectations. If you are specific about the expectations of them and they fully understand this, then it makes it harder for them to try to blame someone else.
I try to speak with the student and determine what the real issue is. I also try to help them understand that they have to take personal responsibility for their education. I empathize with their life situation while at the same time helping them see how they can overcome obstacles they are facing.
I try to speak with the student and determine what the real issue is. I also try to help them understand that they have to take personal responsibility for their education. I empathize with their life situation while at the same time helping them see how they can overcome obstacles they are facing.
Yes, I agree. To this end, that of making sure the students know what is expected of them, I have made a list of all the requirements and expectations of the course. I have stated each item on this list as, "I understand that the research paper is due Week 8 and no late papers will be accepted." There is a check box for the students' initials after each line item. They then sign the statement and I keep the documents. When a student comes to me Week 8 and says, "You did not tell us the paper was due this week!" I pull our the signed statement. Of course, all the due dates are listed in all the appropriate places and I remind them every class and offer help whenever needed throughout the quarter.
Hi Kallie,
It is good when you relate situations with students to the real world. Students need to understand in the real world they must conform, otherwise their employment will be short lived.
Patricia Scales
