Students with excuses
I have learned in the last two years of teaching, that students have an excuse for everything! My struggle has been to be empathetic while still enforcing the rules. I've learned that if you treat the situation with understanding, but also explain that rules/policies are in place to make them better students, they are usually more understanding.
When it comes to dealing with students excuses, I came up with a sure-fire way (at least for me) to limit, if not totally eliminate, the "excuse" factor with this story I tell my students:
"Say, I give you a project and it is due in two weeks. You might say, 'Two weeks? Plenty of time, plenty of time... Hey, I'm gonna binge watch the first season of Breaking Bad!'"
"Now, after that round of binge TV (because one season was not enough), you realize that a week has passed and you haven't worked on the project. Yet, you'll say to yourself, 'One week? Plenty of time, plenty of time... Batman: Arkham Origins just came out? Word, I'm all about it!'"
"So, after finally beating the game, you realize that you lost three more days... 'Four days? Plenty of time, plenty of time! Mega-party at Cliff's? I'm there!'"
"Now, it's the night before the assignment is due... 'Oh, snap...'"
Every time I told this story, which shows the importance of time management, the excuses dropped to almost nil because using a humorous story, which spoke to their distractions (and immaturity), I showed them that I knew the situations that could lead to them not completing the work, thereby necessitating the need for excuses... And that their excuses wouldn't fly.
Somewhat ironically, this story creates a greater level of respect and understanding between teacher and student, which makes for a more productive class experience.
I have a student in particular who used work and home life as an excuse as to why she was consistantly late with her homework. I pulled her aside after one of our recent classes and asked if work was really the issue. She said that, yes, it was part of it, but not the main one. She commented that she was having troubles with the assigned material, and instead of emailing or texting for possible help, she would get frustrated and quit. However, she managed to complete it in class during my lectures. I explained to her the importance of time management and responsibilities that could affect her with possible worse consequences in real life situations. I gave her options for some easy time management strategies, as well as possible ways to help her with her homework. She has since had her assignments in on time, and has also been more comfortable in asking me or her fellow students for help with the material.
Yes, showing the student that you are concerned about their personal issues while keeping boundaries in place is the best approach.
I am working real hard on teaching coping skills also. I tell my Students you must complete your goal of copleteing school. So if your family member is ill or you must go out of town, work it out and complete your work.
Hi Cassandra,
I concur! Life will continue to happen, but it must go on. Deadlines must be met.
Patricia
I also believe that life happens but the students should still be responsible for getting their work done and turned in, in a timely manner.
Be consistant with expectations, if you bend the rules for one, it will be expected again. Have a firm guideline and do not vary. It is always the best in the long run.
As a past student I understand that life issues happen to all people. I do have in my syllabus that late issues will be accepted but I put how many points a day they will loose.
Hello Patricia,
I've been doing this for a long time. I started teaching in 1966. I've worn many educational hats. I am now enjoying active retirement. I am presently teaching physics to sonography students as well as anatomy and physiology to cardiovascular sonographers. Next MOD I'll be teaching chemistry to vet tech students as well. I enjoy forums such as these because I have an opportunity to interact with those new to the profession. Just one more thought-over the years I've kept a collection of lame, but creative, excuses that I review for an occasional smile.
Hi Ezra,
I concur! As times goes by you will grow tough skin and learn how to play tough love. Some excues are real lame.
Patricia
Hello Jane,
As a first year teacher you will face many challenges - but I'm sure you know that. You will find it to your advantage to develop a tough, though understanding, approach to student excuses. Just think of how many grandmothers, aunts, uncles and various other significant others you'll save from being "funerlaized". Keep the faith.
My personality is Pollyannish and as a first year teacher I know that I have been taken advantage of with excuses. I like the thought of still being empathetic AND enforcing the rules.
Hi Valerie,
I concur! This is what I generally do. We need to be empathetic, but we do not need to bend the rules. The rules are in place for a reason.
Patricia
