Phone calls
What is everyone's opinions on phone calls to students? Since we teach in an online environment is calling them on the phone ever "too much"?
Pamela,
So many students need that relationship so that they do not feel as though they are just a "spot" online or just a "number." Keep working on building that community of learners. I also think calling weekly is a lot.
Thanks!
I have found when I incorporate phone calls it can be helpful in developing a relationship with the student. In addition, there have been instances when I may have worked with a student who was missing in action, the phone call helped to place them back on track.
I have incorporated an email as a follow up after each phone call which documents the conversation. It is important to note that I do not call every student so the number of emails are minimal. The key is that they have proven to be helpful for my students.
I would also like to note that I do believe the idea of calling students on a weekly basis should be considered as "too much".
Kristin,
Thanks for helping us think about the "fine line." We do not want any type of harassment. We want to show that concern and help students become more engaged. Thanks for your input.
Phone calls can be beneficial or border on harassment.
For a while, instructors at my institution were required to call every student, or about 30 students, weekly, regardless of need. That meant I was calling up a solid, independent, competent student and saying, "Good job" every week. Pointless. In fact, the value of the first phone call in which I patted the student on the back was negated week after week when it became clear that I was mandated to make the call. Positive reinforcement should be more organic to have true value and lasting impact.
With struggling students, sometimes the weekly phone call helped, but sometimes it pushed the student away more. Some never picked up the phone after the first call. Some asked to not be called again. Some felt harassed, which I heard in the tone of their voices. Weekly calls don't work for every student, even when struggling.
Students are adults, and the phone needs to be used intelligently so that it has maximum impact. Calling a student after an absence is good. It shows you noticed. Calling after a zero on an assignment or exam is good because it indicates concern. That kind of call can open up lines of communication that would otherwise not exist. Some of my students have movie-of-the-week lives with major personal issues. Phone calls help me know this and approach them more holistically. I can also offer better advice when I'm aware of the whole picture.
As with any communication technique, it's about balance. Email can be easily overlooked or not read. A phone call can be a good change of pace.
Gwenda and Darrin,
Our experiences, like our students, shape what we do. Think about that as you are providing a learning environment for which they have the opportunity to create experiences. Thanks.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Darrin-
I agree wholeheartedly with your reasoning. Even in instances where I have communicated with a student over phone, I have followed up with an email "summarizing" our conversation (and copied the Student Advisor).
I used to be more comfortable with placing phone calls to students (blocking my personal phone's caller ID--I teach remotely and our school does not provide business phones). However, after a bad experience with a student who made severe threats (against me, the school, and the US government), a VP at the school pointed out to me that even with caller ID blocked, phone locations can be traced. That freaked me out a bit, so I no longer use the phone.
We do have an online environment that provides ample opportunity to interact, so I stick with using those.
Thank you for your post!
Gwenda
Craig,
We all have our preferences. Once we find what works for us and our students, that's great. We all just have to be effective and clear in our communication. Thanks!
I try hard to avoid calling on the phone if possible. Many times the phone call is simply an excuse session for the student to explain all of the different excuses they may have for not doing what they know they should be doing. At the campus I teach we are not given access to a phone to make long distance calls and are not reimbursed for them. The preferred method for communication is via instant messaging over the campus system. That doesn't work for all students and some of them don't understand the technology well enough to use that system.
I have found that having a good syllabus, course expectations clearly identified, and providing meaningful comments on grades the number of phone calls needed each session is minimal to none.
Vivian and Rhonda,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. Texting language is something to disucss.
Rhonda,
A student recently asked me a course question via text message. It was the first time I had an online student ever communicate via text messaging. I liked it so much, I encourage texting from my students. The only requirement is that they identify themselves and use proper grammar and spelling when texting; as I am not familiar with much of the texting language. :-)
Vivian Washington
Ruby,
Glad you have found a system that works for you. Nice job.
Text Messages are more convenient for everyone. I have my time in the evening that works for me, and the students have their time, usually early morning after their children have gone to school or late at night after they have gone to bed. I don't have a lot of luck with phone calls. Most of the time if the number is a good number, they won't call me back.
Ruby Whitehead
Rhonda,
The phone contact helps establish that community/relationship and can make all the difference in the world. Thanks!
I like to make phone contact with students the first week of class to establish rapport and voice to voice contact with students. After the first week, I am ok without the phone contact, but students typically call with issues. To avoid some of the calls, I let students know that I accept text messages as well. I have found that more students choose this method.
Nate,
Yes, you would have to define "too much." I define "immediate" to my students in that "immedate" feedback to me means 24 hours. So, we do have to clarify as we go. Thanks!
I think it depends on what "too much" is. Calling just to call is one thing. But calling a student who is struggling, behind, not participating, etc. is important. You may gain an understanding as to what is going on in that student's life that is causing the issues. You may also gain an excuse which is just as important to know about your student. Either way, it could serve as motivation. It also puts the human element in to the course. Calling is a good thing.
Elizabeth,
I'm right there with you. Although I try to minimize my email, but have them post questions to the Frequently Asked Question discussion board. But, I still have "proof." Thanks!
I would prefer to e-mail a student as it stays as proofs that I have communicated with the students; but at times, a phone call is also needed.
Darrin,
Email does provide for quick communication and serves as a process of documentation if there are questions about what was said at a later date. Nice job.
