Difficult class
I had a class last term that attended the first day, then six of the fourteen were absent the next three days. When I reminded them of the attendance requirement, they told me thay had been told that they did not have to attend class. When I enforced the requirement, they decided that I was a lousy instructor.
We have student surveys at the middle of each term and they gave me a very poor rating.
I have them again this term and they gave me one of my higest ratings.
I have not changed my instructional method or the way I treat them.
Any ideas why this happened?
You cant take this personally. You did the correct thing by telling them the attendance policy. They were not happy with the information given it was no reflection on your teaching ablility. Hopefully those reading the student surveys will realize that and take it into consideration
As they blame others, they will blame you. Design a lesson or two focusing on accountability. In English I use Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery." Good Luck!
I had the same situation. You must state clearly your expectations and hold to them. Also you must give the student clear attention each time they speak to you even if you are very busy.
I have had he is a Guru to very rude in the same review. This was very hard to take. I now realize that my lack of attention during very stressful times can be key to a positive review.
Hi Richard,
Absolutely! Students must realize that rules in place to be abided by not just in place for the sake of it. Instructors must enforce rules so that students know that you are a stickler for rules. In the real world there are rules that must be followed or else...
Patricia
I have had the same problem, but only at the begining of the term. Some students will try to see how far they can push the rules. When you proved to them that you were serious, they respected you. You did the right thing in showing them that you say what you mean and mean what you say.
This happened because they were testing you the first time. They actually want an instructor like you that holds them accountable.
Hi David,
They were upset with you when you enforced the attendance policy, and they evaluated you low. They got over being upset the next go round and evaluated you fairly.
Patricia
