Greetings, Fellow Educators!
This page contains some of my own thoughts, and as well as tips and strategies by others, that will help educators to communicate more clearly and effectively with their students and with their colleagues.
Why is this page needed? Well, to start with, watch the following short video. Ever had a conversation like this with a student? My guess is that you have, but how can we avoid (or at least minimize the frequency of) this scene from happening?
ANSWER: by giving clear instructions at the beginning of the semester, both verbally and in writing (on the syllabus, on your course website, etc.). I actually have my students print out and sign the last page of the syllabus before they are allowed to proceed with the course. That page contains a statement something like, “I have read, understand, and agree to the terms of this syllabus.”
I also assign the “I’m Worried About My Grade” video as homework so that students can see what it looks like from the educator’s point of view. Since I began doing so, I have a lot fewer conversations like the one in the video below:
I hope this short article and accompanying video are helpful for you in dealing with the increasing number of entitled students in your classes. When I first watched this video, I laughed and cried, then watched it again and laughed and cried some more. But once I started implementing strategies (see above) to minimize this type of attitude and behavior, my classes have run more smoothly, I’ve been less agitated and more fulfilled, and my students have come to realize that THEY must take responsibility for their own education.
Thank you for your dedication to educating our students; remember our future is in their hands!
Lawrence J. Clark, PhD
p.s. Check back often for more valuable tips and strategies!
