Everyone,
I thank you all so much for your thoughtful comments and insights. I am nervous though that all your seasoned veterans out there have never had a situation like this. Makes me think I should have been able to prevent this meltdown.
This student has had a chip on her shoulder since the beginning of the semester. She complained that her team was not prepared, she claimed she was the only one of the 5 that did any work, etc, etc. (not at all the case from my observations) Unfortunately for her, I was aware from the start that her other team members tried and tried to talk to her, but she would not listen to them. She is chronically late to class, and has an attendance issue. (which I have spoken to her about many times) When she does show up, she expected everyone to suddenly pay attention to her and listen to her. The team members quickly did lose respect for her, which led to her attitude that she was the only one working, etc. We would have conversations after each of her perceived insults, the next few classes would be better, but she would revert back to sullen very quickly. The other students on the team are good kids, actually very kind, and tried very hard to work with her. They did not enjoy the stress she was causing. This situation was very one-sided. She did intimate to me that she has "issues" that prevent her from getting out of bed, and functioning some days. After today's class, I did notify the Dean of students, and her advisor to document what happened. I honestly do not think I will have trouble from the administration, but I do not know that for sure.
So, if she comes back, I cannot in good conscience subject her team to work with her again. She truly had problems, and those 4 students should be able to have a good experience. I do not blame them, and they were so relieved when they thought they were finally free of her.
I just cannot picture this girl in the class, at her own table, working totally on her own. What a horrible message to the rest of the class. I have 3 other wonderful teams of 5 students, and the dynamic in the classroom would be so awkward. I just am not experienced enough to know what the answer is. I truly hope she will not come back, and that solves the issue, but I also never want this to happen again!
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On 2/25/10 7:22 PM, "Sophie Sparrow" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Hi Kathy,
Echoing the comments of others, I agree that if she comes back, it is most effective to have her work with the team - a valuable lesson for her and them. One of the things that we have learned about lawyers is that an attribute essential for practice but frequently overlooked in law school is the ability to admit one's mistakes and apologize. This student has given her team and herself lots of opportunities for learning important lessons about the real work world.
Best wishe for the next 7 weeks -
Sophie
Sophie
Sophie M. Sparrow
Professor of Law
Franklin Pierce Law Center
2 White Street
Concord, NH 03301
603.228.1541 x. 1205
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>>> "Zoghby, Kathy" <[log in to unmask]> 2/25/2010 2:45 PM >>>
Hello everyone,
This is my second semester of using TBL in my non-science major Human Genetics course. I have a student that has basically refused to get on board, so to speak, and has made life miserable for her team, in spite of many conversations and meetings with her and the team. Today she stormed out of the classroom and said she was withdrawing from the class. The rest of the team could not have been happier, and they have now said that if she changes her mind they do not want her back! So, I am at a loss and have no idea what I do with this - one, I might get pressure from the administration to let her take the course without being a part of the team (hopefully not likely, but what if) and two - if she does come back - what do I do? There are 7 weeks left in our semester.
I appreciate any words of wisdom. I realize the TBL conference is going on in New Orleans right now - wish I could have made it. Hopefully next year.
Kathy Zoghby
Kathy Zoghby
Department of Biology
University of Richmond
804-287-6339
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