Professional emails
Nowadays people tend to write emails like they do text messages. Emails from work should be professional.
Michelle, That is a great point. It's not a best practice to imitate negative behavior, but demonstrate professional behavior. What impact does correcting the student have on your relationship with him/her?
Dr. Jean Norris
If a student's communication style is to use texting while emailing, when replying I would never use that text message format. In my opinion it would be considered unprofessional and I would also not correct them.
Deanna, that's a great point It's great to see your use of tailoring the message at the beginning to each person that you are talking to.
Dr. Jean Norris
Deanna, that's a great point It's great to see your use of tailoring the message at the beginning to each person that you are talking to.
Dr. Jean Norris
I agree, emails from work are best, when they are professional. An opening, with a personal greeting, which identifies you remember this person,is a successful way to begin.
Dr. Norris, and All, If a student's communication style is to use texting language, should I adapt my style to theirs in my communication with them and use texting language also? I am concerned I would seem unprofessional and ingenuine, and could easily cause misunderstandings through my erroneous use of texting abbreviations. Still, I want to honor their personality and communicate effectively with them. Any tips?
Dr. Jean Norris,
Typically what I do if a student uses text language in their email that I do not understand, I will look it up so that I am sure what the message is that they are conveying to me. http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/textmessageabbreviations.asp is a handy site that will assist you in interperting these short codes.
I always keep my own messages concise and formal by avoiding responding in the same manner back to the student.
Curtis, interesting idea. I'm curious, what has been your response from your students?
Dr. Jean Norris
This is true, many student today do tend to send an email as if they are texting. If I were to see something of this nature, I respond in an indirect way. For example, I may send a link for writing tips in order to set them up for succes in future classes.
Jaclyn, that's a great point. I'm curious, what do you do when a potential student uses text language in their communication with you?
Dr. Jean Norris
