I use positive reinforcement. I start at the very begining of the course let them know what a great time they're going to have and how useful the class will be when they go into the field.
I try to encourage the challenging students by having them play key rolls in the class. I also ask for there ideas on how things could be better. If any of these do not work. I try to have a one on one conversation to see how we can solve the problem
giving students clear expectations of what is required to be successful and also spell them out in a sylibus
Student complaints and challenges come in too many forms to give a blanket answer.
In an attempt to reduce complaints one might make an effort to be keenly in tune with his student's lives and their abilities. In doing so a teacher might find ways to taylor his teaching style to fit the student's needs and personalities. This might prevent the rise of complaints since there would be harmony in the classroom.
Reducing the rise of existing complaints cannot be done because by nature of the statement they exist. The only recourse is to be open and honest in one's apporoach to addressing the complaint while observing the instutional guidelines that your school has laid out.
I talk to them privately and ask them exactly what it is that is making them angry. Many times they reply that they didn’t know that’s how they were acting and the angry behavior stops.
Hi Ronald,
What a great way to give your students freedom, yet maintain control! I bet your classroom environment is very interesting and exciting.
Patricia
Hi Ray,
It is best to resolve complaints instantly. You are on point, when you give students too much time to think a situation becomes more challenging. Issues should be nipped in the bud immediately.
Patricia
Confronting the student right away doesn't give them time to think about a challange and usually you can resolve the complaint right away
I try to find out the what the students want to learn and then as different students voice there views this brings other students into the class discussion. I feel if the students pick the conversation as long as we stay on topic I can direct it in a positive way. When they start to stray off topic I curve them back. This has worked well for my classes in the past.
Hello Joshula,
At times, it is necessary to get a third party involved to act as a mediator. The number one priority is to resolve any differences and move forward.
Patricia
Hi Donald,
As educators, we must be an effective listener. You're right, sometimes students just want you to simply listen. Listening is extremely important in the education arena.
Patricia
Hi Gary,
What an awesome response! As educators, we must ensure that what is good for the goose is good for the ganda. We must be fair, no matter what.
Patricia
I think that most of the issues can be resolved on day one when students are made aware of and comfortable with the objectives and EXPECTATIONS of the class. There will always be a student now and then that really does need special attention or that requires a different "teaching" method. As instructors, we should pick up on this in a very short period of time.
If the disruption is actually the result of some unavoidable turmoil in the students personal life, it is best to refer him to one of the counselors available to assist the student since there is generally little you can do (besides listen and show care/concern) without changing the expectations/standards set for the rest of the class and that would not be either acceptable or fair to the other students.
Hi Sabrina,
The moment you determine that a situation is beyond your scope, you need to immediately find management. Management should take the situtation to a differt level. The most important thing is that you are trying to provide help.
Patricia
Challenging students are hard to deal with, but I think I would sit down with him/her and see what the problem is. If there is a personality problem you might have to talk with a third party.
Joshula
The most important strategy I feel is to listen. By doing so you have given the student a chance to express him/her self and get off their chest what is bothering them. It also allows you the opportunity to make an action plan on how to resolve the issue. Most times you can resolve it in one or two tries, there are those however that you come accross that have a different agenda. At this point you must seek help form counselors, administrator and your peers.
My biggest challenge: Blaming others students mix tigether with angry students.
I did listening to the students and gave them time,,, but every single day was a different blame,,, and anger with his personal life.
After few days of this, I had to involved management to help me figured out how to guide or assist the student.
At the end of the class I realized that I needed better trainning for dealing with this kind of situation. It was affecting my class, and took me away from my course goals.
I try to find advise in other instructor.
Dealing with this spicific student, I learn that in certain moments we need to find external help.
It was out of my control and I took it to hard.
Hi Barry,
You have great beliefs as an instructor. I can tell you have built some trusting relationships with your students, and your students know where to draw the line. It appears you are very caring, and you want your students to be successful, but they must put forth great effort to earn their grades, and you give them the grades they earned. Keep up the great work!
Patricia
Listening has been my best result...Give students the right attention,, as well as letting them know that almost everything can be solved with the right attitude. Must of the time they just want someone to notice them, help them find that place that we all are looking for, guidance. But I try to do it outside the classroom because the class has to continuing.
But in case of serious problems, first I always try to have a third party with me and turn the discussion into a productive one looking for solution of a problem.
Hi Brian,
This shows that you really want your students to succeed. Keep up the good work!
Patricia
