I know how we as instructors get at the end of semesters. We have a tendency to focus on the "to-do" list and getting all of the grading done and scores in the gradebook. Shoot, many of us are already making changes for next semester. Please don't forget though, there are real students with real stress in this last week of this semester.
Make sure you post a closing News item with your contact information and keep checking your class(es) through the last day. Students will be asking last minute questions and expecting faster than normal answers. If you can give that to them, it may well be the difference in how they finish the course (and possibly if they take one next semester).
Don't be afraid to give students bad news if they've earned it, but try to do so with a calming tone. For example, "I'm sorry, but I can't reopen Exam 1. It just wouldn't be fair to the students who completed the work on time." is very different from "Exam 1 was due February 3rd. I do not give extensions." It might not seem like much, but a calm voice in this stressful week may be the difference in avoiding much bigger issues later.
Lastly, thank your students. They have spent real money to take our classes. We get to take part of that home in a paycheck. The least we can do is say 'Thank You'.
No comments:
Post a Comment