I agree that most students with these type of issues usually have a problem with all "authority figures". Quite often, finding themselves having to comply with rules and regulations is a first time occurance with most and they struggle with this delimma.
Sometimes it can be lack of authority or attention. As employees we must be consistent in the presentation with every student. What I mean, is that every student must understand that they will be held to the standards outlined in the catalog. This dialogue starts at interview, orientation and each course start.
No one can't automatically assume that students are looking for an easy road but in all reality that is just what many students are looking for. I see it frequently.
I don't think that we can automatically assume a student is seeking 'an easy road'. It could be that they have 'authoritative issues, who knows? The one thing I do know...this type of situation presents an opportunity to both the employees and the student involved. We can learn how to repectfully require that our core values (integrity, respect, customer service, teamwork, acheivement) are adhered to while we are demonstrating them ourselves and we can teach the student what they are, what they mean and the benefits of living them out at the present time and in the future.
I agreed with the comment that the students who consistently violate the campus codes of conduct are seeking an easier road to obtaining their diplomas and/or they have authority issues. Most of those students have a long history of defiant behaviors. Others are bringing their negative personal issues onto the campus thus taking out their anger on other students and on instructors. Although instructors have to act as therapists by helping those students to develop strong coping skills there should always be consequences for students who refuse to follow the campus codes of conduct.
I agree with your statement. My experience also is that the challenges often are the result of inconsistencies within our own academics. The instructors must refer to the policies in the catalog to keep on track, and this must also apply all the way up the chain of command, through the Program Director, the Associate Dean, Academic Dean up to the Campus President. If we are not consistant, then there is the opening for challange, the questioning of just what is correct. I also agree with a statment of another participant, that many times the challenging may be due to the students prior back ground, either from family dynamics, former educational experiences, or in some cases, personality. We must look at each instance individually, but we have no recourse if we are not consistant ourselves.
Interesting idea regarding the jeopardy game. I believe the reasons students exhibit such defiant behaviors can be from all the mentioned above. Often times students in non-traditional colleges tend to not have the discipline and where-with-all to act professional and conduct themselves with respect. We must identify the reason and help the student work through it and if need be direct the student to Student services for referral. In any casean instructor is not to be disrespected and the class experience should not be disrupted.
Leah, the jeopardy game is a great idea. It helps them to remember policies and makes them accountable. Brenda
In my past experience with students, the challenging has often come from lack of consistency amongst instructors and enforcement. We constantly compare a student's conduct against the disciplinary actions outlined in the catalog to make sure we are sending the same message on a regular basis. We also have a catalog jeopardy game at the beginning of the program to discuss the policies and allow students time to ask questions and receive answers. They sign off stating they have done this and will abide by policy. This allows us to use it as support if we have any challenges with a student's behavior down the road. The few students we have whoconstantly fight the system are usually those who, unfortunately, are not the best fit and tend to struggle to complete the program.
I believe neither, what I have found is that sometimes they want attention, sometimes it can be something at home. Either way, you should investigate why a student is behaving they way they do before making a judgement call.
