Get Your Students Hired
I have had many students in the past that is the barer of the apples. I have learned from my experience to pretty much able to tell the true value of their complements and comments. Not always 100 percent, but close. With the apple polishers, I try to focus the complement back to the case in point of the real issue at hand, and then find a way to complement on a previouse that had been completed and expecting good results on the next.
I have found that the student who is an apple polisher is usually having a rough time in some area, (turning in homework on time, or getting low scores on written tests). I view their attempts ( I do not like to be viewed that I can be bought!) as what they are and focus on the problem areas. Suggest tutors, or a study group to help them and tell them, I will not fall for these attempts. Look at why they are giving you an apple first!
I alway try to down play complaments from students. It is easy to recive a complament from your students. it feels good to know your doing, you must always be curious of thier motives. i like it when they complament me after they have had my class and recivied thier grades.
Hi B. A.,
Apple polishing does not work with me. I can see right through it. All students should earn their grades and be treated the same.
Patricia
Hello B. A.,
Apple polishing does not work with me. I can see right through it. All students should earn their grades and be treated the same.
Patricia
Even though I think that it is important for apple polishers to realize that polishing will not help them get around doing the work, it is affirming to know that true charm and genuine interest are good qualities but need to be correctly directed.
I agree with your comment. Apple polishers need to learn quickly that you have rules, boundaries and limitations that apply to them too. I think the sooner that they realize that, the less polishing they try to do.
Hi Dixie,
Students will play on you. Get tough and don't allow them to make you beat yourself up. Students will try to get away with murder. We have to give them what they earn.
Patricia
You know, a related type we haven't mentioned is the Guilt-Tripper. "If you don't ... (give me an extension, raise my grade, etc.), then I'll ... (have to drop out, lose my financial aid, etc.)"
In the first heavy-duty encounter I had with a Guilt-Tripper, the student (whose grade I had generously raised to a D) told me that if I didn't give him a B, he'd have to go to VietNam (yes, a long time ago), where he'd likely be killed, and it would be my fault. Well, I took the guilt load for a while, but I inquired into his performance in other classes. Failing and Ds there, too. With that perspective, I asked him why he was putting this kind of pressure on me. His reply was that he figured, of all his teachers, I'd be the softest touch!
Hello Dee,
What type of flattering contents have you received from students?
Patricia
Hi Dorenda,
Good for you. You held your ground and thus protected your reputation. Students talk!!
Patricia
Hi Regina,
Great psychological approach! Provide guidance, but let the student figure out the answer.
Patricia
I have had students who attempt to charm me into relaxing the rules for assignment requirements and upcoming assignment due dates. My responses to them are a quick “no” with authority as I continue with the matter at hand. Consistency is the key.
I have had a few students that tried this to get out of certain expectations. I usually turn it around back on them. For example if they are trying to charm some answers out of me I will just turn and say well what do you think is the best answer and why. I will give them more quidance if I see they are truely struggling.
Hi Jeffrey,
Some students are experts at being apple polishers. You have to seriously evaluate each compliment and comment to determine its genuinity.
Patricia