One thing I have always found to be successful with students who are becoming upset is
to let them know that I want them to succeed in my course. Students who are angry
often seem to see the instructor as someone who is "out to get them." Letting my
students know that I am on their side, and that I want to see them do well has always
calmed down every angry student I have dealt with - be it plagiarism, class policy
issues, or a poor grade on an exam.
I would suggest explaining the situation to the student - and presenting your solution
to the problem (whatever that is.) If they want to "rebut" the situation listen
quietly, nodding, and saying things such as - I understand, I can see why this is
frustrating for you. Once they have vented a little, ask them to please try to see
your side of the situation. Explain that you are a teacher doing the best you can to
meet your responsibilities to all of your students and the institution - tell them
again that you want them to do well in your class, and given the situation the
following course of action is what is needed.
I know how upsetting a bad situation with a student can be - I have lost sleep over
some situations I have been in! I always try to keep in mind that even the rudest of
students does not intend to create major stress in my life - because I don't believe
students even understand the impact they can have on us. When I was a student -
undergraduate or graduate - I would never have believed that a college professor of
mine could possibly lose sleep over something that was going on in one of my classes.
So try not to take the situation personally, or let the problem get to you too much!
Best of luck with your situation!
*******************************************
Laura Duvall
Heartland Community College
Bloomington, Illinois
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Instead of having "answers" on a math
test they should just call them "impressions,"
and if you get a different "impression"
so what, can't we all be brothers?
-- Jack Handy
***********************************************
>>> Donald Carter Davis <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 11/09 8:47 PM >>>
Hi folks,
I am facing, and dreading, a confrontation with a rather volatile student
tomorrow, and I'd love to hear any advice you might have to prevent
an explosion...
This student is very entitled, if not downright spoiled, has an extremely
low frustration tolerance, and is a bully. Her classmates have finally
come to me to ask me to stop demanding their homework to copy and turn
in as her own. I wish they'd stand up to her, but the buck must ultimately
stop with me.
Most recently this student took a students paper, copied it, and then
when I confronted her, lied to me and told me that she had worked with
that student, which he (the guy whose paper she grabbed) denies.
How can I get the message across that her antics will no longer be tolerated
in a way that won't cause a screaming match? Thanks in advance...
-- Don
--
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