A Balance

While, conversing about the article “The Power of Realistic Expectations” my group got into an interesting discussion about a professors strategy of teaching. In the article they review two different ways to relay a message of academic dishonesty. In one case the letter is found to be a direct message with the consequences listed clearly, the other way it will provide resources to better improve grades and be much less harsh. My group related this to a professors teaching style. Some professors are extremely strict and use the assets provided in the first letter. They can be harsh with deadlines with rigorous tests and hours of homework. However, there are teachers who give much more freedom. They give cushion periods for late assignments, the tests are simple and the class is much more laid back. This raises the question of how can a professor be nice, but still retain the respect needed to run a class. As a future teacher this question pertains to me directly. I often think about how I will run my classroom and I believe that a balance is difficult but necessary to achieve a successful classroom. The article portrays that the nicer letters have better feedback, but there is potential for error if there are no restrictions. Students will interpret it as laid back and not take it seriously when in fact it’s a matter that should be handled immediately. Although a harsh letter could elicit a reaction where the student wants to quit, which is why a balance between both letters is the best way to go about a predicament such as this. For example it could include the consequences if a grade increase does not occur followed by suggestions and resources to use to ensure tasks are completed. A medium between harsh and laid back teaching could be put the same way. A professor should be strict with deadlines but also understanding that events do come up that are out of a students control. Finding a balance in the academic workplace is difficult but if achieved could produce a productive and successful classroom environment.