Troublesome students in online forums

Museo Botero, Bogotá, Colombia- Photo by Jonathan Acuña-Solano

Troublesome Students in Forum Discussions: What to do in this case

By Prof. Jonathan Acuña-Solano, M. Ed. School of English Faculty of Social Sciences Universidad Latina de Costa Rica Sunday, May 20, 2018 Post 322

During the 2nd week of the BlendIt course with Prof. Janet Bianchini, participants were confronted with various situations that can take place along an online course. One of these situations was the following: As requested, the search for causes, consequences and ways of dealing with situations like this is necessary. And we were provided with these questions.

1) What are the possible CAUSES for this situation?

2) What are the possible CONSEQUENCES on an online course if this situation isn’t addressed?

3) What can the online teacher do to DEAL with the situation?

What would you do in this situation? Depending on the language used in the forum post (the possibility of the absence of netiquette or use of foul language), the post has to be removed or hidden. In this particular scenario, emailing the student for some clarification is necessary. This communication must include the re-explanation of the forum netiquette and what the appropriate way to complain about course content or the instructor is. One needs to politely answer -via email- and try to provide sensible arguments depending on the “issues” pointed out by the student.

If there is not foul language, the student can be courteously answered to try to provide a response to his complaints regarding the course and tutor. Still it is a good idea to make the forum post invisible for the rest of the class to avoid other students giving opinions. For instance, if the learner complains about: Tutor’s availability

Remind him/her about of the time one is available and present in forums, other tasks, and the provision of feedback, which is normally provided up to 48 hrs. after submissions but weekends.

Student’s expectations regarding course content

Tell him or her that if s/he is requesting or complaining about an element of the course, or its absence, it is necessary to review the course outline/course learning path to avoid “false” expectations.

Types of “not that appealing or lengthy” tasks

Redirect our troublesome student to the course description/learning path shared with all course participants to remind him/her of their responsibilities and commitments.

Pair work: If s/he complains about this because of the way they were paired up with someone “irresponsible,” offer to become a mediator.

Group work: If s/he complains about group members’ conflicting schedules to meet, e.g., synchronously, prompt him/her to gap the differences or suggest the use of collaboration tools to work asynchronously.

Deadlines: If the complaint is about this because it is impossible to be met by this person, see if some flexibility is applicable. Let’s keep in mind that a course is meant to help train learners, not to punish them.

Lack of Also redirect them to the guidelines for tasks provided explanations and/or within the platform. And if necessary (and you have guidance some spare time), offer come extra coaching via a virtual meeting There’s always a solution to most problems in an online course. We have to be proactive and assertive to deal with students like this. Also, be mindful and don’t take it personal; your personal well-being is much more important than a situation like this, which is just hot air in the end. And finally, it is necessary to identify the kind of leadership needed to help learners despite all their complaints and dissatisfaction.

PS For a list of leadership styles and how one uses them in the classroom, go to http://reflective-online-teaching.blogspot.com/2016/11/what-kind-of-leader-ami.html Journal Entry 05 BlendIt Course