I like to keep a good and open communication with my students. I explain to them if they have a concern they should voice it immediately. I know some students don't want to say anything because they are afraid that they are going to get in trouble or they don't want to point fingers. However, I assure them that our conversation will be confidential or they can email and be annonymous. That way the class is addressed as a class. I also let them know how important it is that they tell us concerns because if we as instructors are doing something offenseive or incorrect there is no way of fixing the issue if we are unaware.
I think that one thing an instructor can do to reduce student compliants and challenges is to have an open relationship with their students so they feel comfortable approaching their instructor if there is an issue. Also, instructor's can ask for feedback throughout their class and make necessary changes so that students know they are listening and will respond to issues.
Careful preparation and organization will help the student understand their responsibilities in a course. Can't give too much information in the course syllabus for the students. When there is a complaint, make sure you are listening to what they are saying, write it down, problem solve by triangulating to see if there is more than one student that has the same complaint, address the complaint promptly, explain throughly as to how the issue was resolved to the student/s. One should document any critical issue like this that occurs. Then follow up with the student. If necessary, one should seek help from consulting with either a trusted mentor or supervisor to help you brainstorm the issue and obtain insight into the complaintants issue/s.
I review my syllabus the first day but I have noticed that many of the challenging students skip class the first day or take long breaks in the hallways while the syllabus is being reviewed. Further, I have office hours after class but many students are unable to stay due to job or family obligations. I do like having students put their complaint in writing. I think it reduces any miscommunication and it is a very professional way to clarify issues.
Hi Nazi,
Consistency and preparation are key factors to being a successful instructor.
Patricia Scales
To reduce students complaints and challenges, it is good to be prepare at all time, and also it is important to have consistency with your grading and policies.
I think you can minimize complaints by clearly laying expectations on day 1 and ensure you have constant, active communications with students throughout course. The main problem is dealing with the occasional chronic complainers who are never content. i give them a brief public forum for their complaints, then ask the class if anyone else is having same issue. The students do the rest of the work in keeping them under control.
When students complain about a homework assignment especially writing a paper, their complaint is you ask to much of us and my reply to them is, I am preparing you for the real world, so when you begin your new job you are ready. They then comprehend why I have asked them to do this and the complaining stops. I challenge them by asking the students to think outside the box.
I have had students complain about others cheating and I have never been able to prove they were actually cheating. I tell those who are complaining about it that the student who may be cheating is only cheating themselves because when it comes to testing or being in the workforce they will not know the answer when it is really necessary.
Hi Sandy,
Writing things down can be a calming effect as well for most students. Most students simply need to vent either verbally or through written communication.
Patricia Scales
Hi Sandy,
Listening is key! Most of the time students will calm down because they know that they are being listened to.
Patricia Scales
Having the student write down the complaint help to clarify what the issue is. The student can gather their thoughts and read what they have written to determine if they are really stated their complaint. Some students get excited when they are talking so writing it down makes sure that the student says all that they need to say and doesn't forget something.
I find that the more well-informed I am, the fewer challenges I receive. Both the student and I benefit by my putting in the extra effort. I also think the tone of voice in which I am speaking can make a difference. As long as I sound calm, it is easier for the student to receive the information. I can't always determine the student's motivation for challenging me, but by remaining calm and professional, I surmount the challenge.
Have student write down complaints so they can "see" what they're saying. Does it relate to something happening in their life outside of school? Are they using the classroom as a "safe place" to vent? If that's the case then having them write it down can help them see more clearly and can open another line of communication
As the module says, Listen, Listen. Hearing between the lines of fusing and complaining. Respectful listening as in staying quiet and still, no facial expressions, etc. Until they get it ALL out combined with Active listening maybe making notes so you can easily Paraphrase what you heard to make sure that's what they are really attempting to convey to get to the core of what the real problem is.
Hi Jeannine,
I can tell you interact with your students. and you do your due diligence to involve your students. Your students really matter to you, and it is obvious.
Patricia Scales
Staying consistent, fair and dedicated to your students. Making sure you are allowing enough possibilities to communicate with you during class, one-on-one or being available via e-mail, if they have questions or need tutoring. Also I try to keep everyone included during teaching, which seems to be not always easy due to bigger class sizes and lack of time.
Hi Kim,
Absolutely! We must hold our students to very high expectations, and always remember, we get from our students what we expect.
Patricia Scales
Making sure you are relaying the correct information to the students and you are staying consistant with what you say. Also you are saying the same thing to each student. You also have to let them know ahead of time, what you expect, and hold them to your expectations.
In order to reduce student complaints and challenges, make sure all classroom expectations are clearly defined in the syllabus. All assessments/grading must adhere to a strict rubric so there is no ambiguity or question about performance or test score. Being available for students and establishing a rapport at the start of the class is very helpful as well.
