When this type of incident happened once in my class, it was complicated by
demographics. The student was about 15 years older than the others in her
group and she was African-American in a class that was mostly not
African-American. For one thing, she could have been conditioned by
previously difficult group situations in which she had been marginalized.
And for the second issue, I couldn't be sure that by being firm about the
group participation that I wasn't reacting because of her skin color.
-----Original Message-----
From: Team-Based Learning [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Zoghby, Kathy
Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 6:57 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Problem Student
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 enjo
y the st
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!
610 377 7334
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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