I regularly use Values.com to help inspire values, morals, integrity and honesty in the class. A class is more than a group of people needing education on one subject..they also need help in creating the values that will make them become a valuable member of society.
I also think allowing students to vent lets them give off a little steam. Sometimes when complaints are vocalized it also can become easier to find a solution.
Hi Frank,
Listening is paramount! Sometimes students just need to vent! We need to let our students know that we care about them, and we are concern about them, simply by listening to them.
Patricia Scales
Reducing students complaints and challenges can be managed by being descriptive and direct. Letting the students know what is expected immediately and following through is key. Also, I have had to listen consider and adjust myself based on the students complaints and challenges. I am not without compassion but at the same time firm.
Some strategies of reducing complaints and challenges begin with listening to the students. Students may have a beneficial idea or complaint that is leading to the challenge. Also, if the student(s) feel as if they have been listened to and they continue the same behavior it becomes their ownership.
Also, instructors must constantly return to their known stance that is of benefit to the students. Following up on the promises made the first day will prove to the students that I am serious and practiced.
Hi Julie,
Listening is paramount. I have saved many students from withdrawing simply from listening and pay attention to nonverbal cues! You can pick up on signs from students verbally as well as nonverbally. Make sure to do something whenever you find out what is going on with the student.
Patricia Scales
Make sure all requirement, deadtlines are clearly stated at the beginning of the course.
Reducing student complaints and challenges can be achieved by listening to the students and paying close attention to verbal and nonverbal cues. Some students may not speak up and complain outright, but it is important for the instructor to pay just as much attention to these students as the outspoken ones. Ask students to contribute to discussions, voice complaints, and participate in activities. It is also a good idea to include expectations, guidelines, and instructions on how students can file a complaint in the syllabus.
To have a student advisory board meeting once a month or so gives the students the opportunity to address their concerns and any complaints. Each class picks a representative to be there with concerns. This meeting should include the instructor, a few students from different classes throughout the day and an administrator to be there as well
Hi Michael,
Listening is paramount. Sometimes students just want to be listened to so that they can vent. Listening has resolved a lot of problems in my 24 years of tenure as an educator.
Patricia Scales
First they should listen to what the student has to say about the issue. Then can then choose to review the situation or have the student write down their complaint for further review.
Hi John,
Students want to and need to know how the information is going to help them in the real world. Provide this information to them. Keep the class interesting and exciting by utlizing technology, hands-on activities, field trips, guest speakers, etc.
Patricia Scales
Give them input as to the environment. keep them engaged in the learning experience.
I give out my cell phone number with the syllabus and tell students that I am available at any time to answer questions. With a heavy influence of people using texting as a communication tool, this allows students to ask questions and get quick responses. This allows me to set aside time to speak to them further or contact someone else that may be able to assist them if I'm unable to.
I concur with this. We are talking about Post secondary education here, meaning candidates who sign up for courses in these institutions are (or should be) mature enough to know what's and what isn't expected from them. Complaints, if they're academically in nature should first be addressed to the instructor by the student, if and only if the issue(s) is not resolved should the director be involved.
Having clear communication and important information contained in the syllabus are key to reducing complaints. Being fair and treating all students the same is also important. I've learned that I need to be sure that it is clear how assignments will be graded so all students know what is expected.
I believe the easiest way to reduce student complaints and challenges would be to lay out the expectations, in writing, the first day of class. This is usually done through the syllabus, college catalog, curriculum content, etc. Furthermore, this information needs not only to be handed out to them, but they need to sign that they received and understand the material, and the material needs to be covered. I usually have the students take turns reading the information or have a quiz made up of important questions that need to look through the materials to answer. This way they know at the very beginning of the course what the expectations are. Another way to reduce student complaints and challenges is giving them a quick turn around on items that are graded. That way they always know where they stand and what they need to do to be successful. Most importantly document everything.
I have really found listening and sympathizing with that student while still "holding the line" with your expectations will often go a long way.
Such a good topic of being professional with your criticism. Came up for me with an immature student and I just think he did not understand how his remarks can come back to him at another point but he did understand my talk with him about how others perceive him.
I actually try and respond to the complaints by taking notes and passing relevant information on those who can take action. Especially when the problems are related more to an entire campus situation and not one directly related to the classroom.
