Bending the rules...
As an instructor for career school, I often wonder what is the best way to handle students who are indeed dire need of help? Missing assignemtns to missing exams due to unable to get a ride to school or can't afford to pay for public transportation ruins their grade and often fails out. Typically they are capable of handling the work load but due to unforseen circumstances, they are unable to follow guidelines of the school. Do you then allow to bend the rules for these special circumstances or stick by your gun since it is what future job demands of them?
This is so well stated. I agree. I want to have the respect of my students,and be fair to all. Of course there are sometimes extenuating circumstance which the student encounters, but these are ones that administration needs to address.
Hi Kristi,
I fully understand! I am right there with you.
Patricia
Patricia... I'm so glad that you included "extenuating circumstances". If there is ever an instance where school policies or "rules" need to be bent, I suggest the student speak to the program director or the director of education. But I do find myself bending my classroom rules for "extenuating circumstances". I understand life happens and I'm not going to penalize a student if they have a parent pass away or have a miscarriage. It's good to be a "stickler" on alot of things, but I want my students to know I have a sincere concern for them when major things happen in their life.
Hi Dana,
It is important to have rules, and just as important to enforce rules. Rules are worthless if they are not enforced.
Patricia
Hi Dana,
You really get from students what you expect. If students learn that you are a push over, they will take full advantage of you. Also if they learn you are a stickler, they will not try you. Set the bar high!
Patricia
I agree. Sick to your rules but show them there is a light at the end of the tunnel & what they need to do to get there.
Hi Judith,
I concur. I had to handle a situation today on an individual basis. Students were to bring in the classified ads section of the newspaper. The student told me her newspaper flew out of the window, therefore she made a copy of another student's classified ads section, and she wanted to know if I would accept the copy. I told the student absolutley NOT...very lame excuse. She must have forgotten I have been teaching for 21 years...not going to fly with me.
Patricia
Every situation should be handled with individual attention. I think there are emergencies and life situations that are unavoidable which all students or at least most of them will experience during their education. These will certainly put policies and rules into question. It's a sticky topic but I think that the rules SHOULD NOT be bent for common life situations- especially transportation, child care, etc. It's a matter of principle.
Hi Laurel,
From time to time there are valid issues where you may need to bend the rules. These issues may need to be dealt with on a case by case basis.
Patricia
My sentiments exactly. Occasionally there is a valad issue, but that needs to be addressed by administration, so that the class and instructor is not compromised.
Hi Carmella,
We are not doing our students a favor by bending the rules. As you have stated, in the real world, it is real. Students need to do what is expected of them. I do understand extenuating circumstances.
Patricia
I find that every situation is unique and that outside pressures end up creating negative results. However, we must keep in mind that when one is out in the real word, it's not a rehersal. It's the real thing and bending the rules once may turn into a continued habit resulting in mixed signals too.
Hi Jerome,
You are right! We get from students what we expect. Standards are in place for students to rise to them. We should not lower our standards. Students must understand there are going to be policies, rules, and procedures in the workplace that must be adhered to,otherwise...
Patricia
I personally belive in lienency but life comes with many sacrifices, and often enough you get out what u put in. An occasional slip is one thing but as human nature dictates if we know we can get more we will . im often a sceptic so i may be a little unyielding . and not give breaks
Our school sets a standard for professionalism students must adhere to at all times while on campus. When students violate the policies there are consequences in the form of infractions. Acquire 8 infractions in a three week course and the students must repeat the course. There are always special circumstances which occur during a class session. We have policies in place to deal with each on a case by case basis. When students know they will be accountable for their actions, they hold to the standard.
Hi Sonny,
I am a stickler for policies because we are not doing them any favors otherwise. In the real world it is very demanding. If students cannot abide by rules, policies, and procedures in school, they typically cannot abide by them in the workplace. This is unfortunate for the student, but true.
Patricia
Simply don't. Never ever.
Hi Rhonda,
Great flexibility. You really put forth great effort in trying to make it happen for your students. Your students should really appreciate you. I am not nearly as flexible, I am stickler for policies unless extenuating cicumstances come about.
Patricia
Rules and guidelines provide a healthy classroom environment and understanding the students situation may serve as a tool to correct that student inconsistence’s.
