Three students went to my boss to complain about me without speaking with me first. They said I was very nice and had a good heart, but was not using the book (I was using a number of handouts in addition to the book), was not giving specific answers and that they weren't learning anything. My boss told me not to get upset about it -- she was just relaying their concerns, particularly about the book. These students did not come back to class the next night, but have since returned. I want to transfer them out, as it has created bad blood, as well as creating the idea among the other students that the "inmates run the asylum." What do you think -- transfer -- which I have the legal right to do -- or not. I don't know why they came back -- they could have easily gone to another class.
2007-03-13 23:23:39 · 8 answers · asked by Isabella 5 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
I would talk with them with your boss present, just because they acted immature doesn't mean you step yourself down to that level. Then if things don't turn around in the class transfer them.
2007-03-13 23:34:48 · answer #1 · answered by Dennis G 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The students told your boss that you are very nice and have a good heart. It could be that they went to your boss because they didn't want to hurt your feelings by talking to you in person. It could also be that they didn't realize that there is usually a process for dealing with concerns which involves talking to the teacher first.
If you are a professional teacher this will not be the only time a similar situation arises. It's hard not to take these things personally. You need to work this through and grow from it.
Your boss has done the right thing to fill you in. What's appropriate for you to do at this time is to approach the students about discussing their concerns. I would then report back to your boss, filling her in on how well things are going now that you and your students have cleared the air.
You have explained to Yahoo readers that you are indeed using the book but you are also supplementing it. The students would appreciate hearing that. (You may have told them this before but teachers all know that students need to hear things many times before they learn.) As well, they might need specific information pointing out to them what sections of the book are being used for which lessons. (A good thing to mark on the chalkboard for each class.)
With my adult students I usually have to tell them what parts of the text support the day's lesson. In fact, it's a good practice to adopt because that subtly points out to my students that they should review the lesson and it helps them feel a bit more confident about the relationship between instruction in class and the text. Don't forget that adult students are often feeling very pressured to succeed and if they feel that the text doesn't relate to what they are studying that pressure increases.
Your other students, if they are aware of the problem, will be impressed with how well you have dealt with the situation and resolved any concerns.
If talking with these people doesn't work out, then you can look at the option of transferring them.
Good luck!
2007-03-14 02:15:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As an instructor, you need to have very thick skin. You also need to know that you have the right background to be doing what you are doing--education and experience. Your students may not be terribly sophisticated in terms of their educational experience. So, if you are doing something different than they have grown accoustomed, they may feel threatened.
Most human beings, regardless of their cultural background, find it difficult to address their complaints or concerns directly. I am not surprised the students went to the supervisor instead of you. Your supervisor was right to let you know the students had concerns and that you needn't worry about it.
The way you need to handle this situation is completely dependent on you and your personality type. Regardless of what you decide to do, the students do not have the impression that they are in charge unless you have let them become in charge. There is an inherent chain of command in the classroom and students respect it.
I am a very direct person, so I would tackle this head-on. In the next class, whether the three students who complained are there or not, I would say:
I am pleased that some of the students in this class exercised their democratic right to voice their opinion by going to my supervisor to express concerns about my teaching style. I can assure you, however, I have the correct qualifications to be teaching this class. I have a master's degree and 12 years teaching experience. I realize that the way I approach the educational experience may be different from what you have experienced previously. But, I promise you, if you will trust me, you will learn in this class. We may not go over every single page in the textbook, but you will learn what you need to know to be successful.
I had a similar experience with adult students and the textbook issue. I employ a lot of group and pair work in class, very little lecture. I also don't start most of my textbooks on page one and work through to the last page. For example, in teaching composition, I start with the chapter in the textbook on spelling, which is chapter 38. Students complained on the end of term evaluations (which become part of my permanent teaching record). So, after that semester, I gave the above speech at the beginning of the term and told them my methods might be different than what they had experienced before, but that I really did know what I was doing. No one has complained about the textbook thing since.
2007-03-14 02:02:32 · answer #3 · answered by Merries 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it bothers you that much, then transfer them out. If they didn't come to you when they had a problem with YOU, then don't go to THEM if you have a problem with them being in your class. The longer they stay, the more probable they will rally up more students to make you look bad and who knows, maybe it'll be you who gets transferred out. You should strike first, just my opinion.
2007-03-13 23:29:02 · answer #4 · answered by morningstar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
talk to the instructor and locate out precisely why he's shifting you. Then appologize for what ever. Ask in case you have got a 2d threat. tell him the type you somewhat relish your training, instructors, scholars . tell him that your language instructor referred to as and stated which you're a techniques-blowing pupil and you think of the different instructors experience a similar. If he won't supply you a 2d threat, communicate with the coaching officer on your college and tell him/her the placement. Oh, if the instructor says it is using your grades or homework, tell him you will paintings extra problematical to cause them to up. stable luck.
2016-09-30 21:56:00 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would transfer them out, but do it nicely. I would especially make sure they knew that it was based on the fact that they felt they weren't learning anything from you and you think they should get the education they want.
2007-03-13 23:35:39 · answer #6 · answered by jingles 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
talk to them
and better when ur boss is present
2007-03-14 00:25:35 · answer #7 · answered by abd 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they came back to torment you, obviously
watch out, they'll try to break you
2007-03-13 23:26:45 · answer #8 · answered by ferociousnibbler 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋