It is disconcerting when students complain about the work we need to generate to get through a course. I don't idly set these tasks...making work sucks for everyone, me included. I fundamentally believe that each test, assignment and report is intended to build their knowledge and their confidence. Wishing something doesn't always make it possible of course, a line of thought that I'm still to this day having trouble accepting.What comes out of some of these differences in perception is a lack of courtesy. I can't think of the last time I was rude or ignorant to another person...I just don't do 'mean' very well. But having to put up with students who lack basic courtesy or skills in dealing with others seems to be more frequent. There's little understanding, and there's precious little assuming that I might have made a mistake. I give them breaks and I expect them back...I make amends when necessary, but what I simply cannot accept is a gratuitous sort of rudeness in their tone with me. You may pay your money, but that doesn't give you the right to treat me poorly is the way I see it. That said, it does seem like a simple firm rebuke and explanation seems to go a long way. I've had more time to realize how my past behaviour might not have resonated particularly well with these charges. But more importantly, what I have learned is that you can't let it go...poor behaviour needs to be called out, as uncomfortable and uncomfortably direct as it may be.
There's also a lesson for them, I have recognized. If I am firm, reasonable and draw their attention to their behaviour, most get it. Most...the rest, well, that's another blog post.
