H Paula,
I concur! Too much is at stake to take the risk of students complaining. Administration must do an effective job to minimize complaints.
Patricia Scales
Absolutely!!!! Job security can also be factored in, as well as accreditation of the entire program/facility may be jeopardized. This has effect on all - employee, staff and student (including family members)
Hi Paula,
It is a must to enforce rules, policies, and procedures. Students have less to complain about if we do what we are suppose to.
Patricia Scales
Through consistency in regards to policies and procedures, conferring with others regarding reponses prior to the discussion,and moving beyond the event to allow for resolution.
I also emphasize what effect ther completion of the task at hand (that particular course)has on their final goal - graduation. I refer to both internal and external resources available, consult with them if these were contacted, and relay to the student the consequences, both personal and professional, of actions.
Despite being new to the instructional arena, you will find that your clinical expertise in dealing with patients, family and staff to be invaluable.being able to handle situations fairly, consistently and in a timely manner is an extremely valuable asset
Wonderful approach!!! I am sure that it reduces stress.
My policy of showing a PowerPoint overview during the first class and giving them written expectations, helps a great deal. I'll go over the expectations with them when something comes up and then ask them if they complied. I always remind them that I'll work with them, but it's a partnership.
Hi Teresa,
I hear you, and I love your perspective! You do not tolerate foolishness, and you are all about business. Continue to be a strong leader and an effective instructor
Patricia Scales
Honesty honesty honesty. I make sure to clarify repeatedly about what I expect from each and every student on the first day of class and often repeat those frequently throughout the term. If I have a paper assigned, I let each student know IN CLASS how I will be grading it. I also tell students they are here on their own will and therefore have the choice to stay or go and with staying they are agreeing to follow the rules of the school and of my classroom. Most of the students I teach respect the positions I hold.
I have learned a few things from my education regarding teaching. Be firm, fair and consistant. This is a staple in my classroom.
I believe the most effective strategy is to communicate and get to know your students. When a student sees an instructor as a trusted mentor it reduces a lot of the problems that student might try to create. When students believe that their instructor truly cares, they are more likely to accept direction even when it goes against their wishes.
On the first day of every course, a classroom orientation sheet is reviewed and signed off with the students. This sheet covers all topics of classroom management. Students are advised on what is needed to pass the course and how they can achieve this. Topics covered include: attendance, late assignments, cheating, complaint procedure, and a complete reveiw of the syllabus. This sheet has greatly reduced the number of students who "didn't know".
Hi Lea,
I like how you involve yourself in the expectations part of things. Students respect us more when we include ourselves in the equation as well.
Patricia Scales
I give my students my expectations for them and also I ask them what is their expectations of me as an instructor. So, I try to work on each others expectations.
Hi Edward,
Emails are great reminders. We have to address concerns with our students so that they feel we care and that they are important.
Patricia Scales
In my syllabus I ask students to send me an email if they have a particular concern or grading grievance. I explain that they may tell me of their concern or grievance but I may temporarily forget their concern. SO, to protect them I ask for an email. If it is written down and in my email in basket I have to respond.
Hi Susan,
I concur! All problems should be dealt with quickly and swiftly. Consistency is key.
Patricia Scales
I have found that when a classroom has an issue that is not getting resolved by the instructor or by the students, then as a group together they develop a plan that everyone agrees upon as a whole. Agree upon the time frame for this activity, identify the problem, brainstorm for solutions and lastly to do a quality check on solutions and decide the best course. Everyone has a chance to speak and vote on solution. I have found that this gets the class moving forward again rather quickly and lessens the chances of revisiting the same issue again.
One thing that is exponentially important in reducing student complaints is to be fair and consistent. The first time you are inconsistent with dealing with a problem student's behavior, you will have a complaint from every other student in the classroom. Confrinting issues quickly and fairly is the best way to deal with problems.
setting the stage at the beginning of class and explain in detail the requirements and expectations for the course. A intructor must be "bullet-proof" and therefore must explain and distribute in writing what is expected.
