Recently I have been in a battle (albeit mostly in my head) with a student in one of my classes. She is a very bright person, but seems tempted, as many of us can be, to take the easy way out. Her attendance in my class is inconsistent but her work is always turned in on time, resulting in a good grade in the grade book. This troubles me. What is wrong with the way I set up my class that a student can miss most of the instruction but still maintain an A? I am embarrassed to admit this here, but I noticed my bias in grading her work as I looked for any reason to give her a lower grade. After much reflection I realized I am taking it personally that she doesn’t want to come to my class. But French class is fun! I’m a nice person! My students like me and they like my class! Uh oh… my desire to be liked and appreciated may be clouding my judgement a little.
As many of us are, I am a member of various professional groups on social media. This week I took my conundrum with this student to Facebook, to the group of teachers using the same approach and curriculum as I am in this class. I expected to hear commiseration. “How could she not love your class?” “Why wouldn’t she want to be there every day?” “You are such a great teacher and everyone likes you and your class is their favorite!” (Well, maybe not that last one.) What I heard was, “We are in a pandemic, let it go.” “She is showing evidence of learning, that’s enough these days.” “I have this same situation and I am choosing not to worry about it.” I even got a shout out in the Facebook live last night from a teacher-trainer. Her advice was to roll with it with compassion.
I am still not sure how I feel about all of this and I am looking to you, my colleagues, for your input to help me as I sort out my thoughts. Yes, we are in unprecedented times and our students are suffering. We all understand the consequences of teens being cut off from their usual routines and their peer groups. Of course I understand the reasons for letting this type of thing go. On the other hand, I want my students to learn and progress. Where does character and accountability fit in with the grace we can offer right now? What is the right balance?
Are any of you seeing this type of thing in your classes? How are you handling it?
Thanks for your post Kristy. I would not take it personally. There could be many reasons why she does not come to class but, it is rarely personal. In fact you may want to write her and ask her why she is not coming and if something is going on. She could be having personal problems.
However, I do think that consistent class attendance is very important especially in a language class. I often give my students exit tickets that are worth points at the end of class.
Thanks, Kerry!
Is she only absent from your class? Does she seem to like French? Any conflicts with classmates? Any problems at home? The list goes on. I will second Kerry's advice. Talk with her.
This was a great read Kristy! – I do not have a clear answer here as many of us are having the same types of rumblings. Do I let my student make eggos while I am lecturing? How much does it matter if their cameras are turned off? How do I know they are not cheating on my test? I have no answers but appreciate the dialogue