Best Way EVER to Eliminate Student Complaints About Assignments
Meggin McIntosh
The PhD of Productivity®. Award-winning professor who now works with academics who prefer overjoyed to overwhelmed. (she, her, hers)
One part of teaching that can be overwhelming is when students complain about assignments. After the first few years of being a professor, I finally created something that eliminated complaints about my assignments (or at least complaints within my earshot).
In my course syllabus, students were given a form (you may download it here) that invited them to propose an alternative assignment to the one they had been given as part of the syllabus. The form is set up to give students the option of making a clear case for doing something other than what I had assigned, including a justification, how it would relate to the concepts my assignment was intended to build, and how they proposed I grade it.
Four things happened:
- The minute a student would start to moan and groan (or however you choose to describe it) about one of my assignments, I could just say, “There's no need to complain. Remember, you have the option of proposing an alternative. Just go to page __ of the syllabus.” At that point, there was nothing else the student could say and I could just go on.
- The form was set up in such a way that it required some clear thinking on the student’s part to propose an alternative. Most students weren’t willing to go to the trouble of thinking and writing down their ideas even if they didn't like my particular idea for an assignment. So, very few alternatives were ever proposed.
- Sometimes, a student submitted a great proposal, which showed great thought, care and creativity. Not only did it get approved, but every once in a while, that student's idea became a regular part of future course assignments or other learning experiences.
- When an alternative was approved, I knew I could count on grading something that was interesting and different - because a student whose proposal was accepted was invested in the process.
If you know you get overwhelmed and frustrated by student complaints, this tool will cease the complaints about your assignments. I hope you find it useful. Let me know if you have questions!
Remember, just go here to download the Word doc that you may modify for your own classes. I'm happy to share it with you.
Scientific Educator and Communicator
5yThanks Meggin, I am changing up one of my big assignments next term and will incorporate this to see if my students propose any different ideas!
Former history professor with expertise in communications and L&D looking for a new challenge!
5yThanks for sharing! We have been talking at Digital Pedagogy Lab about "opt-outs" for students who feel vulnerable doing online stuff, this is a great template!
Innovator/Disruptor - Higher Education and Economic Development
7yBrilliant, and I rarely use that word as I am not from Great Britain. Meggin, wonderful critical thinking tool. You are very kind to share it with everyone. Blessed Holidays.
Servant leader with a passion for helping others achieve their potential. Member Engagement Specialist, Textbook Author, Adult Scouter, Entrepreneur, and Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Speaker, Coach, and Trainer
7yJust plain genius!