Student Expectations
Greetings Colleagues,
I have enjoyed reading the comments posted in this thread. One student issue that I have encountered much more lately is centered on the student expectations. I find more students approach online learning as if it is a commodity. Their tuition is paid and they have an expectation that equates to a degree. I find that sometimes students that receive negative feedback can take the feedback as a personal attack that reflects not the quality of their work, but rather an implication that they are not working hard. Of course, one can work very hard and still not achieve learning outcomes. I am curious how my colleagues handle these types of issues with their students.
Hi,
I haven't posted an actual essay on a particular subject but the essay that I do post has an example of a Cover Page and the body of the essay is written like an essay with the expectations. See below:
Cover Page
Ultimate Medical Academy
Student’s Name
Topic
Instructor’s Name
Date
Body of Essay
Student’s Name
Date
Topic
The paper should have a Cover page, minimum of 1 page of text, and a Works Cited page with references. The margins should be 1 inch. The first line of each paragraph should be indented 0.5. Each line should be double space with a 12 inch font of Arial or Times New Roman. A paragraph has at least 5 complete sentences. A submission of at least 3 paragraphs will allow you to cover the necessary material. When conducting research, utilize the internet, your text books, library and/or personal interviews. Do not copy (plagiarize) word for word from any source. Review the text and place it in your own words.
The paper should contain the following elements
• Introduction of topic (what the paper is about)
• Answer the assignment question(s) fully with detailed information.
• Conclusion (summary of your thoughts)
Reference Page
Kimberly,
The personal touch, a phone call or video chat, often provides the personal touch and interaction students want. They know you care, but also realize there is a real person in the class and there are clear expectations that have to be met, just like a normal class.
Herbert Brown III
Kimberly,
The personal touch, a phone call or video chat, often provides the personal touch and interaction students want. They know you care, but also realize there is a real person in the class and there are clear expectations that have to be met, just like a normal class.
Herbert Brown III
Kimberly,
Some students do come in with unrealistic expectations. We need to make sure we clearly articulate the correct expectations to students as you mention here. Have you also tried to give students an "example" of a quality essay so they can see how your expectations might look in an actual work? This helps many students tremendously.
Herbert Brown III
Hi Gary,
When I am reading responses from students and I see that they are not responding per the subject content, don't seem to comprehend the question, respond in a disrespectful manner, or are frustrated, I will send an email on my first attempt at communication. If I don't notice a change, then I will make a phone call. When I call, it makes the students feel more at ease and and are shocked that I actually called them. Usually the phone call will change their attitude and behavior.
Hi Marek,
I too find that some students believe that just because they are taking an outline course that the expectations are not set high. At the beginning of each course, I post my requirements for an Essay. If the page requirement is 1 page, I explain that a 1 page essay should be at least 3 paragraphs with each paragraph being at least 5 full sentences. I don't accept Assignments/essay that are submitted via the "Submission" area of the Assignment tab. All Assessments have to be submitted on a Word document. I am amazed when I will received an essay (1 page requirement)that consists of 3 sentences. The essay might be worth 40 points and you write 3 sentences expecting to receive 40 points??? Sometimes I think that some students believe that online learning will be easy.
Kimberly
Fred,
I start with email and see how it goes. If that is not getting me the exchange I would like to have with a student I then go to the phone to have a call and try and establish a communication format that will keep that individual engaged throughout the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Gary
How do you communicate with the student?? Email or phone or ??
Marek,
This is a very common situation for many online instructors or as it has been for me when teaching online courses. When I sense a student starting to drift away or become frustrated through the responses I get I start increasing my communication with that individual. I have found that this personal attention seems to reduce student frustration and helps to start the develop of rapport with that individual.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
