Crying Students
What do you do when a student comes in crying about thier grades?
Hi Justin,
Students tend not to cry/complain as much when a rubric is involved because the rubric clearly explains why points were deducted.
Patricia
I make sure to use a rubric for all of my classes. This eliminates the perception of subjective grading. When a student is upset, the rubric is also a tool to show them in detail, where and why they lost points. This helps them to improve for next time.
Always after grading every quiz and test, i discuss every single question to clear the concept. I am teaching math. , Statistics and Business Math. I have class for four hours and once a week. So i spend first 15-20 minutes to review previous chapter and also help in home work assignment, if they didn't understand. Then i give 20 minutes quiz based on previous class and last weeks home work assignment. Right after quiz i am giving them 7-8 minutes break. During this time i start grading quiz. As soon as they are coming back from break, i give them quiz back and i discuss every single question from it. So there is no room for crying babies in my class. No delay, no waiting , - results no complain, no crying babies.
Listening is so important, because after the crying is done, if you are patient, your student may give you the information you need to help and support. I had a student crying in my class, and I stepped outside with her and let her cry, and listened to her concerns. She began by telling me that she isn't understanding the material. After she finished crying, I patiently let her talk, and she told me she was having financial problems and couldn't afford the book for my class. I offered my book until the end of the class, and she was able to secure a book the next week. If we don't listen, we may not get the real issues from our students.
Hi Mark,
I go through a box of Kleenex quickly. Students come to my office and cry all the time for various reasons. As Mark mentioned let the crying student get it out and listen to what is going on. Listening is key.
Patricia
I allow them time to get the cry out of their system, encourage them and listen to what is causing their tears and then try to assist them in any way I possible can.
I had to fail three students last quarter because they did not pass a math competency after the third try. They all signed an agreement at the beginning of the class that stated the results. One of the students contested a question, but after evaluating the question I found it to be fair. I sat down with all three and explained that they should have asked questions, I offered 8-10 different review worksheets but not one asked any questions. I felt bad, but felt that they knew what I was expecting of them and they did not give 100%.
Hi Kathleen,
Absolutely! Just because they are crying doesn't mean that they get to have their way. Listen and evaluate accordingly. Some students think crying will allow them to get what they want.
Patricia
I would go over how the grade was given & make sure they fully understand that process. Ask the student how they could make this type of assignment better to recieve a better grade. This may help the student realize they have the opportunity to do something different and have a different outcome on their next assignment. Also give them resources for studying to improve in that area or different study techniques.
I would have them take a few deep breaths, a sip of water, and calm down for a moment. Then I would listen to what they had to say. I would consider what they said. If it had meit I would revaluate the grade. If it was not appropriate I would explain why we were staying with the grade given.
Hi Gingi,
I fully show them how the grade was derived.
Patricia
