Terry,
I agree, we should do everything in our power as instructors to reach the struggling online student. Oftentimes, that extra little effort to reach a student is enough to pull them back in to the course and make them successful.
Herbert Brown III
I disagree. I could ask one of the student's peers to try and reach out to the student and see if that will make a difference. Additionally, perhaps a tutor might be able to reach the student or an advisor whom the student has a close relationship with. These are all additional options to try before giving up on the student.
Jeannine Wieland
I disagree. A student can be contacted by phone or by Student Affairs advisor by phone in effort to show the university cares and to engage the student in the course.
I think it depends on the situation. I have had many instances (depending on the school) where I have reached out to students and laid out all instructions for them and they still feel I have not done my job. Sometimes, I think it is the student. They want instructors to hold their hands when in case they have overlooked something and/or are frustrated. Sometimes, when you have communicated effectively to students and they do not respond for your help there is nothing else you can do. In the long run; they end of learning the hard way. Lastly, I think it sometimes take that completing the class over and/or making sure they communicate with their instructors in order to be successful.
If an online student does not respond to my offer to help there is a lot that I can and I should do. The process of identifying and reaching out to at risk students differ from school to school but each process typically involves, reaching out to the student via email, phone, and personal message through the classroom. I would be sure to be specific in telling students what to do and how to do it in order to improve their status in the online class. It is also required at many schools that online instructors submit concerns that typically alert the student's advisor regarding his/her participation and then the advisor makes an effort to reach our to the student. Students are more likely to respond and be receptive to the contact with they are contacting my multiple means in the classroom.
Katrena Taylor-Springs
Jennifer, I agree that we all lose students. I have had so many students who outright discussed that heir motivation for attending school was because of the "financial overage check". Student's who typically start school for the wrong reason show a lack of motivation to succeed in the course. I always remind them that the money they are received has to be paid back regardless but even this is sometimes not successful at capturing their attention and they still decide to not participate and/or complete work.
Katrena Taylor-Springs
Katrena ,
I like how you are connecting with them through multiple mechanisms. Many times it is easy for them to ignore your emails, but if you can get through to them via phone, text, etc. you have a better chance to reach the struggling student and get them the help they need to succeed.
Herbert Brown III
Katrena ,
It is sad when you get students like this. It is still our responsibility to attempt to reach them and get them reconnected to the online classroom, but as you indicate, sometimes there are forces at play that we cannot overcome and we are still not successful. As long as we have tried all we can to reach them.
Herbert Brown III
An online instructor can only do so much. First, student participation must be outlined in the course syllabus. Second, the instructor must monitor the course discussions and hold students responsible for non-participation. Third, the instructor must contact students who are not meeting the requirements set forth in the syllabus. Finally, the instructor can only do so much, just as in a traditional classroom setting, if a student refuses to participate, the student must face the consequences of their inaction.
I would disagree that there is very little more than I can do. If the student isn't performing well, I can once again offer to help, but this time make sure the student knows that I am offering to help because the grade they have earned thus far indicates that they do indeed need help and that they need to take advantage of it in order to pass the class. Additionally, I could always contact the student's advisor, alerting them to my concerns over the student's performance.
I agree in as far as the student is not responding to my offers, however as an instructor I can reach out to the students adviser and let he/she know what is occurring in the classroom and that they may want to contact the student to ascertain what is occurring. Without knowing the reason behind the students lack of response, there is little I can suggest or advise.
Thase are great examples that indirectly communicates with the unresponsive student. Utilizing the advisor can increase your chances to reach the student.
Hi- I think that the instructor should make a concerted effort to reach out to the student. This would be via email and phone typically. If these are not receiving a response than involving the school advisor assigned to the student would be cced or directly contacted to ensure that the university is aware that the student is not attending.
I am very sympathetic to the challenges of the adult learner who is working full time with a "life". It is important to remember the challenges are unique and new for this student and not to carry over previous disappointment with student involvement.
Jocelyn Williamson
