Hi Carolyn,
What great ways you have of comminucating clearly to your students. I like the ideas of the written instructions, highlighting and reminders. Your students are fortunate, you truly have their best interest at heart.
Patricia
One way that I manage this is by distributing the syllabus on the first day of class. I will discuss projects and other course requirements on that day and follow the discussion up with written instructions elaborating what was discussed previously within the week immediately following the first class. Throughout the semester I constantly remind the students to refer back to the syllabus and the clearly documented set of directions. Also on the first day of class I have the students highlight the testing dates and the due dates for projects and assignments. I think that this is a sure way for everyone to be on the same page. Communication is key. Students seem to appreciate this practice.
Hi Jeremy,
I like how you are very open and frank with your students, and you begin this practice on Day 1. I am sure your students appreciate you being very direct.
Patricia
Maintaining consistency when enforcing policies and procedures.
Hi Connie,
Very important to read every word and thoroughly go over the syllabus. Perhaps, the DOE just forgot to tell this to you.
Patricia
One of the best practices that I have found is to ask very directly on the first day what the student’s expectations are. That way I can clear up any misconceptions that they may have. Once they know and understand what to expect my job in making them happy gets easier.
We must be clear and consistent with our students. We set the standards and we have the ability to adapt to the needs of our students. Staying consitent and keeping the lines of communication open are very inportant steps in reducing complaints and challenges.
I begin my class with the introduction of the syllabus. We, as a class, go through it line by line. I encourage the students to ask any questions or include any imput they may have when it comes to their new class. I make sure to include examples of things to look forward to in each new unit. Many of the examples are funny stories that have to do with the subject matter we will discuss. I have found stories laced with humor, really grasp the students attention and makes them far more willing to show up for class. Engaging them at the beginning, letting them know exactly what is expected of them and what they can look forward to seems to work the best for reducing complaints and challenges.
As a new instuctor, I did not understand the importance of the syllabus and did not cover it well with 1st day classroom students. Now, I know how much this can help me and the students and will follow these great suggestions.
The instructor should be very clear about expectations,dealines,and conduct in class.Be very clear about assignments and make sure there are not any questions.
Hi Bret,
Don't deviate from your syllabus. If it is on the syllabus, therefore it is etched in stone. Students sometimes have to be shown to be reminded, and the syllabus is a good place to practice this action.
Patricia
Make time to talk to your class and be receptive to complaints,the try to be flexible in your resolution of these.
making them feel heard by listening to them, but then to bring them back to the perspective that they need to realize there will be challenges that they will not alwyas be able to conquer, but more like overcome by placing the subject of the complaint in perspective. The complaint should not be such a focus that it keeps the student from achieving their goal. Not everything can be made to suit every students preferences. Sometimes helping students focus on what's important helps them to minimize their negative attitudes.
I agree with the idea of a second deadline after class has settled. It seems there are always 1 or more who didn't hear or remeber reading about deadlines.
All learning groups need to understand course objectives, how all learners can achieve them, then how each person is measured. Plus, how are the measurements relevant to the student.
I have found that using the syllabus to outline the rules of the class is a very effective way of reducing complaints. The first class I review the syllabus for the students and make sure it is understood that the rules are followed. As situations arise, I refer to the syllabus and follow what is written. Most situations can be defused with this method.
A teacher can listen and take notes. She can ask for an office meeting to go over the issues. She can agree to take another look at a test to make sure she did not miss something.
Hi Kristin,
Absolutely!!! I love your philosophy! You get from students what you expect!!
Patricia
Hi Kristin,
Clarity is key for reducing student complaints. The smallest grey area will cause the students to complain.
Patricia
Student complaints and challenges are usually because of a misunderstanding between the student and the syllabus or the instructor.
Being very clear about assignment instructions and due dates in the syllabus is VERY important and an easy way to reduce the complaints and challenges. Having grading rubrics for each assignment is also an easy way to reduce the challenges to a grade.
