Taking the initiative to accept our own mistakes and correct them ASAP is a good example to the student who plays the "Blame Game". It is ok to make mistakes, if we learn from them and be determined to over comethem when ever possible.Taking responsibility for ourselves is a beautiful thing!
Many students hve to be defensive for so many things in their life, it becomes a natural defense mechanism for them.Human nature takes over as many become defensive when stumbling over obstacles/ Ultimately, we are all accountable for our own choices. Sometimes a listening ear and mentoring allows then to see and hear themselves as to blaming some noe else is not a valid excuse
Hi David,
I like how you handle this. You address this issue on Day 1. You really give your students something to think about. I am sure this speil minimizes the number of students you have that shifts blame.
Patricia
Hi Susan,
Definitely call for help during a fight. Never subject yourself to danger.
Patricia
Hi Joseph,
Great, at least you are try to handle the situation very tactfully.
Patricia
Hi Aldgenette,
Super approach! I can tell you take well to constructive feedback from your students. I am sure you have blossomed into a very effective teacher because of your willingness to adjust. Continue to let students know that you geniunely care about them.
Patricia
Normally, I will give a speech on the first night of class. This directed speech explains that each student takes ownership of their development in how well they do in the course. I explain that if they receive a "C" on a test, I didn't give it to them - they earned it. Likewise, if they get an "A" on a test they earned it as well. I tell them that they must take ownership of their successes and failures - not someone else. I go on a little more, but this is the idea. This usually solves all problems like this.
For those who may still have a problem with the "blame game" I will usually (in private) pry a little more into why they feel this way. I try to guide them back around in their thinking in how they are responsible. I try to let them figure this out on their own. This also helps them develop critical thinking skills and self-evaluation.
I like to open up a disscusion about personal responsability without directing the discussion towards the problem student or students
Hi Susan,
Has the type of practice ever escalated to an unpleasant situation?
Patricia
I would be VERY uncomfortable with a physical confrontation between students--I would call for help!
It's very true that we have to get along with many types of people in the work environment--school is a good place to learn that!
Susan Sanders
Hi Susan,
Listening is key! Sometimes as instructors we have to be sounding boards.
Patricia
Go over their grades and have a one on one with them. Hold them responsible.
i recently had a couple of students get into a heated argument that almost got physical. Each student blamed the other. So after all was said and done and i got them calmed down, i set them up to work together on our next couple of assignments and explained to them how in the work force we have to deal with people we don't like and that they needed to work together and accomplish the same task. it was a rough start for the two, but they have now started working well with each other and getting along in class.
That sounds like a good strategy--to "funnel" the process--starting with yourself and the entire class, then bringing it down to the point of what is going on with this particular student. Many times issues can be resolved with a one-on-one talk with the student. Susan Sanders
The way that I deal with students who shift blame to others for their not being successful is I first take a look at myself and my teaching style, etc. and make adjustments where I see fit. I will even have the entire class to evaluate the class and me because their input help me to know where and what and how I need to adjust. After adjusting, I monitor and evaluate the student to see if he/she is putting forth their best effort to be successful in the class. If not, I set up a meeting with the student outside of classtime and ask he/she what can I do to assist in their success and passing my class. I try to instill positive thoughts, as well as encourage the student and let he/she know that I am there for them and I want nothing more than to see them successful. Converstions of this nature with students tend to bring out the best in most students. Your thoughts???
Ask the rest of the class to "chime in " with their view of the situation.
Listen to them and try to see their point. Be fair.
I always ask the student how they are studying, how much effort they are puting forth, and then ask them what I can do to help them excel.
Wow,
that is the best one I have heard yet. If he was telling the truth, at least he was honest. However, I would have made the same decision to not allow the student to take the exam. I may have even suggested that he mind the company he keeps, especially if he is going to school to try to better himself, and his friends are not.
Ruth Armstrong
When I encounter a student who also want to make excuses and blame someone else for not submitting assignments on time, or who always want to take exams late, I pull them aside and speak with then privately to see if I can determine what the real problem is. Many of these students may have issues at home that are overwhelming them.
In any case, I stilll let them know that if the signed up for the class, then they are 100% accountable for their actions, which means attending class regularly and taking exams and submitting assignments on time, unless they can show in writing that they have a ligitimate "Reason." If the student do not have written documentation, because they had to meet with their child's teacher, then I may make a discretionary decision to allow the student to make up an exam. However, I warn them that this is an exception, not the norm, and that ehey still need to take responsibility for themselves. I may even suggest that they change course sections if they are having problems arriving to class on time.
