Thank you for letting me know about the concerns regarding 219307. I am attaching a copy of my actions that I have sent to students that have contacted me.
I have met with the lecturer concerned and discussed at some length the strategies to give the students greater confidence in both the teacher and their ability to achieve well in the paper. Could you please stress to the students (that you have contact with) that it is VERY important that they keep attending class, and look at what they are able to do to contribute to ensuring good marks for the next assignment and test. I am confident that the lecturer concerned will continue to strive to improve communication with students.
I am hopeful that everyone concerned will be able to move forward with a positive outlook. Please let me know if any other concerns come to your attention.
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Remember, if further issue arise, please let me know.
Kind regards
Penny Lyall
Advocacy Coordinator
Albany Students' Association Inc.
phone 09 443 9781
mobile 027 426 7861
This communication is confidential and may contain privileged material. If you are not the intended recipient you must not use, disclose, copy or retain it. If you have received it in error please immediately notify me by return email and delete the emails.
Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding paper 219.307. I agree that such a large number of students failing to pass the first assignment are of concern. I have taken the following steps in order to investigate and help resolve the matter.
1. Obtained a copy of the course outline for Interpersonal Communication 219.307 Semester 2
2. Viewed the online/web CT information and communication
3. Met with the lecturer Kay Thorn
As a result of my inquiries I have found the following.
1 The course outline is quite explicit and clearly states the following:
a. The philosophy, objectives and expectations of the course
b. References, recommended readings
c. Guidelines for presentation of assignments
d. Over two pages outlining what is required for Assignment 1, with tips on how to answer the questions. I note that a recommended plan has been included on how to keep the log as well as a sample log template.
e. The lecturer has noted weekly times that she is available for support, as well stating any other time by appointment. She has included contact details so students may reach her.
2 The web CT online log is up and running for this paper
a. From viewing the log I see that the lecturer has responded (whether asked to or not)
when any questions were raised regarding the assignment. (25th July/2nd Aug)
b. Very little of the message board discussion related to the assignment
c. Notes from lectures are posted on the Web CT immediately following the lecture
3 The lecturer (Kaye Thorn) was equally concerned about the low pass rate
a. The lecturer would like to stress that she strongly encourages students to come and see
her in office hours if they would like to discuss the topic for an assignment. Unfortunately for assignment 1, few students took this option. (4)
b. The lecturer said that if there were any comments that students don’t understand on
their returned assignment then she encourages students to come and see her so that the same errors are not made again.
c. The lecturer is concerned about the number of students attending class. Of about 72
only about 40 regularly turn up. Although notes are posted on web-CT immediately after class it is essential that students attend class in order to better understand the material that is being taught. (PLEASE NOTE: section (4) in the student contract states that the student will: Use best endeavours to fulfill the requirements prescribed by the University for the course.) This includes attending lectures!
d. The lecturer tells me that she did discuss requirements for the lecture in class
e. The lecturer will not be re-marking assignments, but has said that virtually all students
still have the ability to pass the paper by achieving reasonable marks on their 2nd assignment and the end of semester test.
Actions to Remedy the Situation
1 The lecturer has said that she will provide a ‘marking sheet’ for assignment two
prior to the due date, that indicates how the marks are apportioned and allocated. This will give students a ‘checklist’ to ensure that they have covered everything. (This is neither usual nor expected practice at university).
2 The lecturer will spend additional time going over Assignment 2 in class to ensure that students fully understand what the expectations are.
3 Any concerns or queries regarding the assignment can be raised on Web CT and the lecturer will respond where appropriate.
4 The lecturer encourages students to avail themselves of the opportunity to meet with her during office hours if they are unsure or need clarification regarding anything to do with the assignment.
5 Students would need to ensure that they regularly attend class in order to benefit from all teaching and instruction.
6 Should individual students have any specific academic difficulties when it comes to completing assignments, I encourage them then to access the services at the Student Learning Centre for support.
7 I would encourage students to read all of the prescribed text, and at least review the majority of recommended readings.
8 The lecturer will endeavour to reduce speaking speed (within reason), and increase the volume of speech.
9 The lecturer is very keen to get full participation from the class. She will make a point of addressing as many students as practicable, and conversely encourages ALL students to speak up and contribute.
Summary
I am hoping that this covers your concerns adequately. From what I can see there appears to be little evidence that I can find that insufficient information or support was provided to students regarding the requirements for Assignment 1.
If you have further concerns that you have not brought to me as yet, please do not hesitate to do so.
Also, if you still feel you have been academically disadvantaged in relation to paper 219.307, then you have the option of pursuing an ‘academic grievance’. This is a formal process, and would need to be done in writing to the Head of Department. The guidelines on how to do this can be obtained on the Massey Website, or you may contact me for a copy. However, I believe that your first action should be to speak directly to the lecturer concerned.