Comments for Change Agency

Comment on Student Behavior in Online Classrooms by Penny Boston

Penny Boston — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 02:07:10 +0000

I have experienced a number of your concerns when teaching international students at a private college who were seeking a qualification to give them university entry. Such practices as thinking that paying money automatically gave them a pass, regular plagiarism, black market for past assessment papers were strategies often tried by some students. Diligence on the part of lecturers involved usually resulted in these unacceptable practices leading to a unit repeat, with consequences such as visa extensions impacting all involved. (Late 90′s to 2005). As a beginner practitioner with online delivery (commenced 2008)I find that there is perhaps more need now for us to ensure that the student is fully conversant with the outline, the participation level required as well as very clear assessment instructions and outcomes. Our face to face orientation process previously undertaken by such students now must form an essential on line process studied prior to commencement of course.

Comment on Student Behavior in Online Classrooms by Becky Poe

Becky Poe — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 23:43:48 +0000

After a summer of dealing with several very hostile parents of my online high school math students, I have learned the importance of documentation. In every case when I was confronted with a ranting parent because Johnny or Susie was not passing, I had a long history of email messages that I was able to copy and forward to the parent showing my efforts to get their student on track and working to meet deadlines.

I also noticed that part of the problem with rude or crude messages from students could be traced back to poor writing skills on their part and/or not reading the message before they sent it. Some times in their haste to dash off a quick email, they didn’t realize their recipient doesn’t have their facial expressions or tone of voice to help interpret the message. Think of the phrase ” I need this done ASAP.” Depending on your tone of voice, this sentence could have several interpretations. Or “I need you to show me how to do this, not tell me.” Tone of voice changes both messages completely!

When students send me rude messages, I use the message as a “teachable moment.” I still have not solved the problem, however, of an angry parent yelling (over the phone) at me and her son at the same time because he wasted her money on an online course.

Comment on Student Behavior in Online Classrooms by Stephanie Sandifer

Stephanie Sandifer — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:56:41 +0000

Hi MA –

I have to agree that I think the media stories that support a perception that teachers deserve to be challenged and/or “bashed” is contributing to this increase in negative/inappropriate behavior from students.

You also mentioned something else that I think is important — like you, I don’t mind getting questions from students regarding grading, policies, etc., but the tone of the communications are what concern me. There is never anything wrong with asking for clarification or assistance — I’ve had many students send me very polite and respectful questions regarding their grades or other issues. I always address their concerns — sometimes they notice that I made a minor grading error (which I am happy to correct) and sometimes they just weren’t clear on the grading criteria. Regardless of why they are asking me questions, those questions should ALWAYS be posted in a polite and respectful manner. Unfortunately, more and more students are under the impression that they have a right to be rude and agressive when asking questions about their grades or course policies.

It is still a minority compared the large number of hardworking and very respectful students that I enjoy working with every day. I just hope it remains a minority and that this doesn’t continue to increase.

Thanks for commenting!

Stephanie

Comment on Student Behavior in Online Classrooms by Stephanie Sandifer

Stephanie Sandifer — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:47:22 +0000

Hi Jo –

Thanks for sharing your experience. I do agree with the concept that the absence of face-to-face interaction does give some of the students a sense that they can be more agressive than they would in person.

Stephanie

Comment on Student Behavior in Online Classrooms by MA

MA — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:35:26 +0000

I wonder too, if it isn’t part of the current media focus of teacher ‘bashing” surrounding conversations about reform. (And thinking critically this may be perceived, and not completely true.) I know that the focus is K12 but there seems to be a sense of teachers can’t be trusted to be effective, therefore you should challenge them at every turn. I suppose this could be linked to the stories you mentioned regarding for profit online schools. This was a timely post since I had just received what I thought was an aggressive email questioning a grading policy choice, and claiming my expectations were a mystery. I wonder to some extent if the tone wasn’t misinterpreted because of email, but I don’t really think so. I think the ability to ask the question virtually made the questioner less careful about the approach they took. I didn’t mind the question, it was the tone…..and the fact that they entered the class five days late (despite being registered) and missed a synchronous Q and A session. However in the past year I have experienced the poor reading comprehension skills ( and a surprising unwillingness to ask for clarification – which may be a passive-aggressive way to trying to get away with doing less work – ‘but I thought the assignment was [x]), and the passive-aggressive response to directives. This is however a small, small, minority.