How to Handle Student Grade Complaints
All instructors, sooner or later, will have a student who does not think their assigned grade is fair. In this age of Yelp and Google reviews, students sometimes seem to feel that grades are simply a starting point for a negotiation. Talk to any seasoned instructor: I am sure they can provide some interesting excuses they have heard. My personal favorite involves a deceased emotional support rat. And while the excuses can be entertaining at times, the hardest one to hear and deal with effectively is undoubtedly: “you were not a good instructor.”
When confronted with a student who is unwilling or having trouble owning their less-than-desired grade our job, as in every other situation, is to treat students with respect (even if not shown from them) and compassion. No matter what excuses they provide, it’s important for instructors to strive for a businesslike, fair, and compassionate response that doesn’t compromise your policies. Easier said than done, right?
To better facilitate this type of interaction, here are some concrete steps and a communication framework 1 that I use with my students in both email and face-to-face meetings. If the meeting is face-to-face, I recommend writing notes beforehand.
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Empathize, demonstrate acknowledgment, and show appreciation first.
- Reiterate the problem as the sender has stated it.
- "This is what I am hearing"
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Provide a response based on research.
- Look at written policies and procedures as stated in your syllabus.
- Look for details in any assignments referenced.
- "This is what the situation is."
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Show appreciation and allude to the future.
- Provide ownership and empowerment
- "This is how I hope you can move forward."
When utilizing this framework, we do not have to keep responding. We do not have to apologize. And when used properly can serve as the end of the conversation without being dismissive.
A student email example:
My response - based on the above framework:
The result stands, but the final paragraph gives three action items for the student to complete. This provides them “marching orders” to salvage an unfortunate situation and ownership for success in the future. In cases where withdrawal is not the only or best option, suggestions might include:
- Committing to ask at least one question per assignment, by email or in-person
- Forming a study group for exams
- Putting study/work time for the class on a written or electronic weekly calendar
These suggestions are student-owned and promote the long-term goal of success.
No matter what the excuse or complaint, having an established communication framework when responding to student grades can help you maintain consistency, fairness, and objectiveness while providing students with actionable items for long-term improvement.
REFERENCES
Source: Kristin Good, Dean of Arts and Sciences, Washtenaw Community College