
I have not handled this situation well in the past. We did have an angry student and he would sirupt the class. This new idea of having them write down the complaint and to have him be an observer might have been a better way to handle him rather than him influencing the classroom
Set aside one on one time to discuss any conerns or improvements they would like me to know of. Let them have a private forum to tell thier feelings and seek answers. Or to discuss any challenges they and how I can best teach them .Most of the time a person just needs to be heard and understood.
Peggy Gunther
Hi Wayne,
I concur! Our students feel a sense of importance when we simply listen to them. Listening is paramount in education.
Patricia Scales
I agree, I also think that feel that their issue has been listened to and that a resolution to it will come that will feel meaningful to them. The resolution will have more meaning to them if they feel that they have been able to present their case as well as they can. The may not like the resolution but they will have the satisfaction of knowing that they got a fair hearing.
Hi Wayne,
Listening is key when it comes to students. Students feel a sense of importance when they are listened to.
Patricia Scales
Dealing with students complaints is a difficult thing and requires good listening skills and tact. Students need to be heard and as our customers they deserve
I always refer students back to the syllabus if they are unhappy with the program as that often answers concerns that they have had or answers questions.
I think one of the best ways to reduce student complaints and challenges is by being attentive to the students. By doing so, the instructor should be able to pick-up on an issues that are brewing and prevent them as well. Also, having a good working relationship with the students will allow them to feel comfortable talking to you when challenges arise.
Some of the best strategies that I use when addressing complaints involve listening.
What is the real purpose of the complaint? So ask them to elaborate.
Is it general frustration on not knowing the purpose of the lesson or topic being presented?
If that is the case, then it's crucial to explain how the material is relevant to their ability to perform well in their chosen career.
Is the reason for the complaint due to lack of comprehension of the subject material?
Then it's vital that you take the time to express in terms more easily understood.
Hi Tiffany,
As an instructor we should do all we can to help our students. Students tend not to complain when we know we are giving them our all and all.
Patricia Scales
To reduce complaints it is always good as stated before to be very specific in the syllabus which is basically the course bible. It is also a Good idea to ask questions as to whether the students feel as though they are getting the most from the class. But the number one way I believe an instructor can reduce complaints is too look at themselves first as the course states, to ensure that YOU are doing all that you can to assist them!
I am a very down to earth instructor so I can handle a little constructive criticism. I have always been a fan of simply asking the class in an open forum how they feel about XY and Z. Just like in any relationship, if the communication is lacking, it wont work.
I often find that the best way to get the students engaged to a point where there are no complains and challenges is to get to know them on a personal level. Arrive early to class and talk to the students when they come in. Find out what things they like and see if you have a common interest.
Clear communication when dealing with student complaints, following the institutions policy is key, as students may refer to this to use in their defense if you have deviated course. I usually listen to the complaint, while writing down my own notes, then giving the student time to cool-off, I offer up my solution; if the student is unhappy, they can submit it in writing and move up the chain of command. I think when I was instructing, while serving as Program Director this was easier resolved, and even now that I've step down to adjunct I don't find any challenges.
My first response is to pull out the Syllabus and discuss the outline. The complaints are topics that the students feel are irrelevant to the class. Such as the TBLS learning skills. After a short discussion on soft skills, I continue my class so the domino effect does not get started. Students are often influenced by others and then the class is in an uproar. It happened to me once and never again. I held strong in the beginning and set the rules by my trusty syllabus.
1. set clear expectations
2. include each student and get them engaged in their learning.
3. listen to student needs and make sure to understand their issues.
Hi Randall,
Great way to get students to see the big picture. It is great when you can relate students concerns to the real world.
Patricia Scales
I try to make sure and cover the basics. What I expect from them. And what they can expect from me. Be clear and concise on whats expected on the labs. A common complaint around here is equipment trouble or training aid problems. When I get a complaint, i usually try to turn it arouns as a real world problem. I ask the students "couldnt something like this happen in real life while testing a component". Most of the time that satisfies.
I think transparency and communication can assist in reducing complaints. Being open and clear about what plans for the class are, what type of work is included and why, and weekly reminders prior to any milestones should ensure expectations are clear so students aren't confused.
I always send a lecture wrap-up immediately after class summarizing what we learned that day, the homework that is due the next class, and what topics we're covering in the next class period. I also send a homework reminder 3 days before the homework is due to remind students what the assignment is, it's due date, and to contact me with any questions at all!
I have found that listening is the best way to handle this situation. Most of the time, the students feel they have a valid complaint. Once they explain their complaint to me I can usually give them an explanation of why something is done a certain way or why a procedure is in place and this usually clarifys for the student and they understand why they have to do what ever it was that they thought was "unfair"
Some strategies that instructors can use to reduce student complaints and challenges is to listen to what the student has to say. Chances are if one student is complaining, other students may feel the same way but just have not voiced their concerns yet. By actively listening and taking steps to mitigate the student's concern, instructors will likely be able to reduce similar future complaints.