Apple Polishing Students
Don't you love these students. Fortunately, these are the minority, but take the majority of your time.
I have found it helpful to document all my interactions with them in an unofficial journal format. This includes formal meetings with documented forms, but also in passing or during a break when they come talk to you. This is incredibly helpful when they come back to you 2 weeks later and state something you said, but with their own 'twist' on it. You can refer to your notes, times, dates, etc and that usually sends a strong message about the assignment deadline or grade.
How do you deal with these students effectively?
I love that response! My most challenging Apple Pusher was a young man named Devin. In addition to wanting things done his way, he tried desperately to try to get me off subject by taking the subject matter to a different place during class (in order to not be found out he did not read the chapter). He also was confrontational, at times, tried to bully me if from of the class (but we took it outside to discuss it) and he followed it up with huge compliment to me and an appolgy to the students. He was a very sharp kid, and a master manipulator. Over all, I had set great boundaries - and he did not get the grade he wanted -- begging for extra credit assignments. Fortenately, I had an iron-clad syylabus that I used to defend myself and why he recieved the grade he made.
I liked the slides on this. I hadn't really ever thought of this name before but have had plenty who seemed were so complimentary, and usually my first reaction is--why is she being nice? why is he saying that?--then it's true...they're the ones who will want to know if they can take a test that was online at his convenience because he just 'forgot' or didn't have access to a computer.
I always have said that in today's world of technology, there are libraries, friends have computers, and as for 'forgetting'...'you're not in Kansas anymore'...you're in college. And means there is a higher standard that is required.
I have gotten a lot out of all of the material in this unit. It's been most helpful.
I share a history with apple polishers ...ashamed to say. However, I had a fab professor that taught me the error of my ways.
She loved me and held firm to her deadlines and as she gave me my zero, she said, deadpan, "if life and employment worked your way (polishers rule!), you'd get an A. Since they (life and work) don't, please follow the syllabus." And she hugged me.
It was perfect.
Wow that's a great idea! One which I've now officially "ripped-off". I've found most of my "polishers" want an exception to everything. To be given special treatment or clearance. I have had success using the fact that there is a room full of peers who all expect consistency and fariness from all levels of our institution. Assuming the subject is not personal or private in nature I use the class as a jury. Again only if appropriate I present the scenario to the rest of the room and let them decide the "apple polisher's" fate and even debate a little if there's a mixed opinion in the room. Even with mixed opinions however the results for me have always been the same. No exceptions is the only way to be fair to everyone and eventually my "juries" always come back to that fact as their deciding factor. Now I don't have to spend time hearing how it's the "worlds fault" and I can sort of "hide" in a way behind my juries decision without being the bad guy. It beats pulling out a syllabus and saying "too bad, it's printed right here". "I can't help you. Sorry". Because we all know that this statement is not the end of the discussion. (Although it should be) It is usually only the beginning of a long- winded explanation of why they're so special and why I should change my whole class policy just for them.
