No not all instructors follow this practice. However in our depatment the rules are very similar, enough that there has not been any problem. Instructors of other departments follow their own practices using the framework given to us by the home office.The phrase" as deemed by the instructor" allows for this grace.
It is amazing how we all go through the same headaches in terms of students following rules, and showing us respect. One thing I have learned is as adult students it's all about your verbiage and tone. We all want to be shown respect and if you show them respect from the get go they will be more willing to follow your lead.
Patricia, sounds like a fair practice, but do all instructors follow the same practice? If not, does your grace rule cause problems for those who don't have such a rule?
Students may be upset because it is new and unfamiliar, not understanding the importance of it and what it does for their career. Change or challenges are uncomfortable, which allows some to resist; it also reveals the areas that need to be strengthen. The flip of that. Encouraging them and consistency should counteract that
I review the course syllabus in detail on the first day also. Students need to be aware of the school policies and that I adhere to them. It is important to set a good example.
While some students actually resist some of the structure they are reminded to abide by the policies and understand they are for everyone.
What I find is a problem when other instructors do not follow the policies. I tell my students that I am a "rule follower" and that the policies are in place for everyone. I do go over some of the reasons at times because some students are not aware of the guidelines that are necessary for one reason or another.
~Theresa
Judy, it's also important that the students understand why the rule is important. Some rules are self-evident; others are not.
I find removong students that find it hard to adapt to professional set rules always respond better if addressed individually away from the class in a one on one setting to eleviate an uncomfortable of pespectively viewed embarrasing situation.
I have noticed students getting upset when the rules are enforced because thay feel that they are adults and should not be told what to do. However, individuals that were raised to respect their elders and to follow policies, rules and procedures have no problem. I believe its a change in our present society and their upbringing. I advise students we are all here to make learning rewarding and by following the policies and rules it will make time efficient and effective for all. Its like following the street lights (red or green) if we did not have lights, we would have chaos.
I think that student appreciate it if you put all the professional rules on the table from day one then. That way they know what you expect of them and can get a good idea if they can handle the expectation placed upon them
I have found this happens a lot. The students are very upset when you inforce rules on them. Lets say they are at their clinical already and you have to ask them to leave because of the dress code. They don't happily leave. But it is a good lesson for down the road. Employers don't put up with not following rules.
The first reason a student would get upset when a set of professional rules are enforces; is because no where in their life for the most part have not been in a professional job. So they do know how to act, but this five letter word rules has to began at home at a young age reinforce throughout life, erasing subpar behavior instead of rewarding or giving in into demands. So when a student get upset they have live a life of doing whatever. No matter what professional person may enter rules must be follow for personal growth and gain
I also review the syllabus & rules for conduct & assignments on the first day. I often, days later, will write reminders on the board. I like to do that so there is no emotion involved , noone is actually being "called out" on an infraction. But if infractions are many or continual or seem to be in defiance I will take a student aside to discuss the issue.I also tell the students on the first day that they all are under the "grace" rules. There will be leniency on the first 2 tardies, so this helps the students who just get caught in traffic. But the students who take advantage will do so no matter, so it all evens out. I try not to see the issue as cut and dry as -easy or tough. I want the students to see the rules are there to keep order but grace has it place.
Students need to understand WHY the rules are what they are, and what following the rules will accomplish. If students can see the value in following the rules they will accept them.
Just like the rest of us, Carla. Employees didn't like uncertainty and instability much either.
I believe that students don't have a problem with professional rules. I do believe they get frustrated if the rules change constantly or are sometimes enforced for some folks and not for others.
I think being tough or easy depends on the student...There are some students who will manage to get into the school who will fail if they are held to the same standards of the better students...sometimes you have to back off the Ivy League approach and realize that some students need that different approach...not a gift, but an understanding approach....
I find it to be a priority to spend time on day-1 detailing the specific rules required of my students and providing them in writing (a syllabus, for example). Also, I have them become accountable for these rules and they sign an agreement indicating such. I also go into detail about "why" these rules are in place. Sometimes these students, especially the newer generations, require further explanation.
Patricia, note Sheila posting above. It is important to create a culture where rules are well understand and uniformly enforced. No one wants to be the "bad guy" because a colleague is not following the rules.
Ralph, could you give an example of these rules? I'm struggling with the notion of going through a process of setting new rules with each new class - particularly ones that the students set. What if they decided that plagiarism was an acceptable practice, for example?
Ralph, could you give an example of these rules? I'm struggling with the notion of going through a process of setting new rules with each new class - particularly ones that the students set. What if they decided that plagiarism was an acceptable practice, for example?
