Addressing Student Complaints About Your Assignments
As educators, we often encounter moments of resistance and complaint from our students, especially when the assignments we give are different from what they are used to. This was the case with a group of fraternity boys in my college writing class. Here, I will share my experience and the strategies I employed to convert their complaints into learning opportunities.
Encountering Complaining Students
Years ago, I had some fraternity boys in my college writing class. What set these students apart was their extensive collection of essays from previous years. Unlike other instructors who followed textbook assignments, I preferred to come up with unique lessons and assignments. However, these specific frat boys did not take kindly to this approach. They openly complained about my assignments, claiming they wanted something they could easily reference and copy.
Initially, I was taken aback by their complaints. As an educator, I believed in the value of my own created assignments, which aimed to improve their writing skills and prepare them for future academic challenges. However, when these students’ complaints became more persistent, I decided to address them directly and differently.
Addressing Complaints Through Private Lessons
Countering their complaints, I asked them to come to my office for private lessons. During these sessions, I focused on teaching them the importance of academic integrity and demonstrated how to write effectively. My aim was not to simply teach them to write better essays, but to instill a sense of responsibility and dedication towards their learning process.
What these students soon realized was that my assignments were not meant to trick them but to provide them with a chance to build their own writing skills. I explained that by cheating, they were robbing themselves of the opportunity to learn and grow. This revelation was a turning point for them.
Transforming Resentment into Growth
Eventually, the students understood that writing their own essays was the only way to achieve academic success. One of the students, in particular, left a lasting impression. He had initially planned to cheat and was surprised when he realized that I had anticipated every step of their cheating strategy. Despite not being the most academically inclined, he appreciated the educational benefit he received. By the end of the course, he displayed better writing skills than when he started, and likely performed better in subsequent courses thanks to the foundational skills he learned.
Handling such complaints requires patience and a strategic approach. Here are a few tips to help educators address similar situations:
1. Communicate Openly and Transparently
When faced with student complaints, it is essential to communicate openly and transparently. Explain why you chose a particular assignment and the learning objectives behind it. This helps students understand the value of the assignment and encourages them to engage fully with the material.
2. Provide Clear Guidance and Support
Offer clear guidelines and support to your students. Break down the assignment into manageable parts and provide resources that can help them succeed. Encourage them to ask questions and seek feedback along the way.
3. Foster a Culture of Academic Integrity
Create a classroom environment that values honesty and responsibility. Discuss the importance of academic integrity and establish clear consequences for cheating. This can help prevent future complaints and ensure that your students are committed to learning and personal growth.
Conclusion
Dealing with student complaints about assignments can be challenging, but it can also be an opportunity to foster a deeper understanding of academic integrity and learning. By communicating effectively, providing support, and fostering a culture of honesty, educators can turn complaints into learning experiences that benefit their students in the long run.