Stability and Reference for College Students – Dealing With Instructor Problems
Do you have an instructor you don’t like? Maybe he has a foreign accent that makes it hard to understand his or her lectures. Maybe you and the instructor simply have a personality conflict. Or, possibly the instructor just does not explain the theory or concept so you can understand it. All of these problems must be addressed, and sooner rather than later. Do not let more than the first few days to a week or two of the class go by before you address and solve such issues. You obviously are not learning as much as you should, so take some action!
The Foreign Accent Problem
Actually, this problem is more common than you may think. Some instructor are extremely knowledgeable about astronomy, math, anthropology, geology, astrophysics or some other discipline and have a great deal of information to convey; however, English is not their first or native language, which is negatively impacting their effectiveness as an instructor. Department chairs and other administrators may hire such a faculty member for a number of reasons. Their biography makes the institution look good; they attract large research grants; their expertise is needed to start a new degree program and gain accreditation; or, they were highly recommended by another faculty member or administrator. However, each of these institution-centered reasons should be accompanied by a number of student-centered reasons, such as excellent student reviews, teaching effectiveness awards or an impressive history of “bell curve” grade distributions – not all As or Fs and the majority of students with C+ to B grades.
The Personality Conflict Problem
This is a judgment call and must be addressed carefully. Often you will not be able to know if there is an actual “personality conflict” until several weeks or even a whole semester has passed. Avoid jumping to conclusions and immediately asking for an instructor change. However, personality conflicts are real and do happen; but they certainly are not, and should not, be common with any one instructor. You should address your concerns with your academic advisor. Ask the advisor about other students with similar concerns about this instructor. Often, you will just have to “tough it out” and get through the course. Some students may even have to retake the course, often with another instructor, to attain a better grade and improve their GPA (grade point overage). Your academic advisor, and the Records Department, should be well aware of the policies and practices for doing this at your institution.
The Explanation Problem
The exceptional instructor will explain complicated theories or concepts in several ways. Unfortunately, not all instructors are exceptional. Explanations done in different ways always results in more students understanding the theory or concept, because not all students learn or even comprehend in the same way. Some understand by hands-on application, others by simply reading text, others need many diagrams and text, and still others need to be shown by a practical demonstration. I know I am talking in generalities here; however, do not shy away from asking your instructor, before or during or after class, “Sir/Maim, I really could not follow your explanation of … Could you explain it to me again, maybe in a different way?” If you do this during class, I will almost guarantee that there will be 10 to 30 percent of the class who will be thinking, “Wow, I’m glad he asked that question!”
Actions to Take
First, talk to the instructor directly and be frank and honest about your situation. If the instructor appears to have some good suggestions, implement them over the next week or two. At the same time, talk to your academic advisor and explain the situation; keep him or her informed as to your progress or lack of progress. If no progress is being made, next visit the Department Chair, with or without your academic advisor; this is the instructor’s superior. Explain who you have talked to about the problem and the results; again, be frank and honest. However, be aware that the Department Chair’s time is limited; he is she is an extremely busy administrator. So get right to the point and make the most of your time with the department chair.
If you are still meeting with seemingly stubborn resistance to addressing your problem, which should be extremely rare but not unheard of, address your concerns with the School or College Dean, then the Dean of Academics and then the President or Provost of the Institution. However, be very cognizant about who you are talking to! These are very busy people! But you are a student! And accredited institutions of higher education are very student oriented. From the President of the University down to the individual faculty member, competent, well thought out and clear explanations of student complaints or concerns are taken seriously. I have advised many students with this admonition. “If you have legitimate complaints or concerns, go right up the line of command until they get the problem or concern is adequately addressed.” And that is exactly what you should do also!
Your comments and questions are most welcome. Thank you for reading!
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