It is a difficult situation if a student does not respond for offers to help. On occasion, I will notice that they are online within the classroom and ask if they would like to either chat one on one in the chat room or ask if they would like to talk over the phone. I will usually begin conversing about how things are going in their life to see if they will open up and gain my trust. I teach accounting so many students are afraid that the math involved--although minimal-- is not something they will grasp. Having taught accounting for almost 30 years, I often can anticipate what issues in the course might be causing them problems.
I have a hard time thinking of things in terms of not having choices or options. If the instructor was only using one mode of communication, for example, e-mail, it would be good if the instructor tried other modes of reaching out to the student such as using the phone, etc, involving a student advisor, if necessary, or just simply going ahead and giving the help that may be needed as long as it does not intrude on the privacy of the student or cross the professional boundaries of the student-teacher relationship.
I disagree. We should report the student to their academic adviser and continue to reach out. We should also find alternate ways of reaching out.
In the final analysis the student makes the decision whether or not they want to participate in class activities and to make an effort to learn. If the student does not want the instructor’s help, then there is very little the instructor can do to alleviate the situation. Also, by pushing the issue the student may become even more alienated, thereby, making the situation worse. The instructor, in this instance, should be supportive and try to consider the student’s concerns and feelings even though the student is non-communicative. The instructor should be available at any time during the session to help the student with class assignments and procedures but should avoid involvement in personal issues other than to acknowledge the student’s circumstances. The instructor should also keep the unresponsive student apprised of classroom activities and deadlines as part of the email notifications provided to all students.
Hi Jeffery,
I agree that speaking with unresponsive students is necessary when the student is willing. Although, experience has taught me that delving too much into a student's personal issues can sometimes lead to unwanted consequences. These types of interventions shouldn't result in placating the student with regard to their classroom responsibilities, or dominating too much of the instructor's time and effort necessary to help other students.
Russell
There is an assumption that majority of the online students are adults; therefore most of them should know why they are in school. Additionally, some of these students at some point in their lives have attended postsecondary education.
My point is that instructors should do everything they can to help students learn required materials; however, if a student (adult learner) is not interested or unwilling to accept responsibility for their own education, there is not a whole lot an instructor can do about it.
Augustine,
Good point. In the end the student has to take ownership of the learning process. If that individual does not buy into the class then the resulting grade will have been earned to to a lack of effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It depends on the situation. Sometimes students refuse help because they have given up on the course (for the right or wrong reasons) and there isn't anything that myself or the campus administrators can do to bring them back. In that case, I just make sure that I have documented all of my efforts and that everyone who supports the student agrees that we have done all that we can.
Sometimes students aren't responding because they are embarrassed or upset. This is where their campus support team can help me to bridge the gap with the student. Most often they just need a pep talk or some help with time management and they are back on track.
Every once in awhile, however, I have a student who thinks he/she knows better and refuses help, advice, guidance, and refuses to communicate with me. My strategy is then to continue to try to kindly correspond with the student (as if I just haven't been able to reach them) and I speak to the campus about my challenges with the student. Sometimes they are able to help me get through to the student and other times we just have to let he/she continue on their own "enlightened path". We document everything and simply continue to support and be positive until the course ends.
If an online student does not respond to your offers to help; as an online Instructor, there is very little more you can do. Do you agree or disagree? Explain your answer.
Tamara,
Thank you for outlining you and your college's approach to student follow up. We can do only so much. The ultimate decision rests with each individual student. But by doing all of this you know you have done everything professionally possible to help the student to be successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
