Hi Marina,
Isn't that the truth. Sometimes as educators all we have to do is simply listen.
Patricia
Hello Daniel,
It sounds like you have full control over this type of discussion. I only encourage this type of discussion to instructors that can handle it.
Patricia
I put assignments in writing. I include the due date and details of what I expect. I also include how I will grade the assignment. This lists how many points for each area and what I will be looking for.
Really listening to the student complaint and assessing if the issue is something that can be resolved of if the student just needs clarification. As soon as you start listening to the student he/she automatically starts to calm down and the argument becomes a discussion with merit.
In most cases when I have student that feel the need to complain, they are usually complaining about something that is going on with the University (in a more administrative type function). I'll take time during the class to let the students voice their concerns. Sometimes I will have a spirited debate with the students to see if by providing some perception of a point contrary to their's, they may change their stance. Also, I use these discussions to guide students to become more active in the student government or other advocacy groups.
Hello Marie,
Absolutely, it is a must to take full advantage of every opportunity to have class discussions. Class discussions make the course content so much more exciting and interesting. Students tend to enjoy class discussion.
Patricia
Class discussions can be so interesting, and also provide some great opportunities to blend real world experience into the classroom. I encourage the discussions at every opportunity, in every class period.
Hi Andrew,
Wow, I have had the same experience as you. It certainly is nice whenever you have very little student problems to deal with. I respect all of my students and they in turn respect me.
Patricia
Hi Stacey,
How have your class discussions gone? Have you ever had a class discussion where things got out of control, and if so how did you regain control? Class discussions are great such as these as long as the instructor can maintain full control.
Patricia
The early buy-in is important as is the ability to let the students know that you care about them and their learning. If you do not judge them and are open minded and willing to listen. they will repsect you. You will get the respect back that you show them. I show this often and I rarely have any student problems to deal with.
I like to have class discussions in my course to discuss what challenges or obstacles the students are facing in my course. I also let the students know that I am always looking for feedback and I am always available if they need to talk. This helps be build trust with my students.
Hi Steven,
As educators, we must be effective listeners! Sometimes students simply need to vent, and we must be there to hear them out. Once the student has vented, the student generally feels better.
Patricia
This is not a new concept, but the most successful method I've found for dealing with complaints is to listen. Usually the complaint is more of a dissatisfaction than a statement of a flaw in procedures. Of course, after the student has gotten it out of their system, it helps to be able to provide some sort of mechanism to work on a resolution, such as to suggest putting the complaint in writing and suggesting an appropriate individual to work with.
Hello Isaac,
You're right! I handle the challenging students just as you do. It is amazing what istening to the student and having a private conversation will do to make things better with the challenging student.
Patricia
I used to be hard on them but now I just listen and try to hear what they are saying. It helps to take them out somewhere away from the classroom and just sit down and talk with them.
Hello Steven,
I personally do not encourage putting things up for class discussion. As you have said, you are the authoritative figure, and you call the shots, however you will listen to your students if there is a need and find a solution to their problem.
Patricia
Hi Diane,
Super repsonse! I can tell you put thought into how to best deal with challenging students. You are right on target with your answer. It is so much easier to deal with a challenging student once they've clamed down.
Patricia
Timing is everything when dealing with a challenging student. If a student is angry, they aren't always seeing things rationally. I really like the aproach you suggested regarding putting their concerns/complaints in writing. This allows for clarification as well as provides the student the opprtunity to have a healthy outlet. The student has been given the opportunity to calm down and the concerns he/she has presented can be addressed. It is very important to remain fair to the class as well. Therefore, any allowances that have been made to accomodate one student must be allowed for all. This can be tricky, so I find it very important to be clear about your expectations at the begining of the class to minimize as many challenges as possible.
I feel that putting everything up for class discussion only breeds chos and the possibility togo off on tangents. In the class I am in charge and my decision is final. if that is not clear to everyone, please bring it to my attention and together i will help you understand the policy.
Hi Luis,
I am sure your students appreciate this type of involvement. Students enjoy having a say.
Patricia
