Letting your students know they can trust you to hold their confidences and will work with them toward solutions works best for me. My students have my cell phone number and know they can call me at any (REASONABLE) time. However, when their are personal or professional issues afoot, I make a point of telling them that they can call at any time in the event of an emergency.
I try to balance being a friend and a mentor to my students with being a fair and honest instructor who does not "give away" grades, as grade inflation can come back to haunt you. I do find that sometimes students who demand the most amount of your time are most likely to expect a higher grade.
I give them a shoulder to lean on but grade them objectively, demnonstrating the difference, as I see it.
All expectations should be covered in the first class. This is usually accomplished through my syllabus, but as we progress through the course I often make adjustments in accordance with the capabilities of the students. This in turn may include extra credit assignments (Case Studies)for advanced students. However, for students that may be lagging behing the work detailed in the syllabus I make a special effort to discuss the severity of their actions or lack of throughout the course in order to keep them focused.
Hi David,
I am a firm believer that a student does not care how much you know, until they know how much you care. As instructors, we must be caring beings.
Patricia
Hello Doreen,
It is amazing how much can be accomplished pertaining to complaints/concerns by having one-on-one sessions. Students seem to be more receptive and respectful when you have private meetings. A lot is resolved from these meetings. I never discuss concerns/complaints with more than one student at a time, simply because students know how to jump on the band wagon whenver negativity is involved. You will have better control and result when dealing with students one on one.
Patricia
The most effective strategy I have found for reducing student complaints and challenges is to allows students to privately voice their concerns and meet with me one-on-one to address those concerns. I have found that when students privately address their complaints and challenges, I can explain the "whys" of policy and class structure. This seems to alleviate most problems.
I deal with a lot of students that have many issues outside of school. I let them know that school is the one place where the outside world cannot affect what you are doing. Use it as a santuary from all of the stresses outside. That advise seems to work wonders. Once the students know you are intrested in their wellbeing they become easier to handle.
Hi Eric,
The key to winning a student over is rapport building. Students want to know that you care about them.
Patricia
Hello Abundio,
Your thought process is right on point. Have you ever had to implement any of these well thought procedures?
Patricia
Hi Servet,
The type of student we serve have major external factors. A lot of the students bring these external factor into the classroom. As professionals, we have to try to teach our students how to make the seperation with personal and professional issues.
Patricia
Hi Servet,
Without classroom monitoring the instructor is at a total loss. The instuctor does not have a clue if he/she does not monitor the class.
Patricia
I think it is important to reach the students on a more personal level. Once you can reach them, it will be much easier to get through to them.
I like to know what their future plans are, so that I may taylor my teaching style to their needs.
Challengeing student should be first understand what kind of challenge you are referring, Complaint, deal with what kind of complainst?
Complaints?
First I have to "Listen" then talk to them and give them advice. Also need to to atalk to them promptly and let them know you know what is goin on.
Challenging?
Behaveoural, personal, learning, team work challenges?
First I would group them in a small group as possible, to eliminate more personal issue to others, talk to them, listen and advice them.
I deal with them individually, and givning them support that they need to succeed in my class.
Hi George,
Nicely said! Eliminating the petty stuff saves a lot of time from whining/complaining. It is best to meke the environment conducive to learning.
Patricia
Obviously these external pressures need to be consider as you work with and encourage students to continue with their education
Monitoring gives you insight into the enviorment
of the class, enable instructor/teacher to make any adjustment that might be needed to keep the class on course
-Eliminating the physical reasons for complains:too hot or cold classroom, too noisy or dark/bright classroom, workshop. Create a comfortable, supporting environment for learning.
-Clearly stated requirements and expectations regarding attendance,exams, deadlines, participation in class activities, scoring methods etc.
Hi Patrick,
It's the nature of the business, students are going to complain. We must continue to do as you are doing and include positive overview of the educational institution.
Patricia
Bringing a very positive overview of the school to alienate the complaint of the student.
Hi Judy,
Wow, it amazes me to find out how much you and I have in common when it comes to teaching. You remind me so much of myself. Keep up the great work! I bet you are an awesome instructor!
Patricia
Hi Vivian,
I've experienced getting to know most of my students on a personal level based on my 20-year tenure. You are absolutely correct, when you get to know them personally, it makes them feel as though you care about them. Continue to be a caring instructor!
Patricia
