"Censoring" negative students: good netiquette or a missed opportunity
If discussion boards are a part of your online platform you've surely run into a student who is completely put-off about something.
Sometimes the comments are merely eye-roll inducing while other times they are scratching the surface of bringing other folks down (making an otherwise happy student decide that they, too, aren't happy).
When this occurs, instructors basically have two proactive solutions: replying with humor or killing them with kindness to help them "develop a better language of constructive feedback". Or the censoring/outright deletion of a post (which preserves the environment but often ignites a fire with the individual).
In sum, I often find myself questioning my decision to "re-direct or delete". Is this a black and white issue for anyone? Or does anyone else feel conflicted when this happens? I'd love to hear your perspective!
Milka,
How do you "fix" that? Do you allow them to vent or do you take them aside and talk to them.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Monica,
It really is a great strategy. Also, you must address it immediately. I give examples of good posts and poor posts and bully posts.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I agree it is very difficult to maintain positivity on the online forum. I have found that it is prevalent with students that are struggling with the subject matter and are merely acting out.
It is something we deal with online. I find that addressing these concerns in the beginning, providing expectations as well as examples helps.
Tamara ,
I like your strategy and am a firm believer in the use of humor, but I have had to take a student or two offline and discuss tone and word usage. One went well and successfully passed the course. The other well, student judicial had to become involved as his tone was use with me. I find if I don't take care of it in my course that person will do it in another; a serial offender. I do provide students with examples of bad discussion responses and good responses.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
