Getting involved or best to steer clear?

[intensity_too]

So, it seems a mutiny is occurring in my first semester nursing class, and I'm not sure what to do about it.

Our nursing instructor for this semester is new. It is her first semester teaching, and I think she does a great job. She teaches the material well, and encourages us when we need it. She's a wonderful woman all around. Always understanding and willing to help you in any way she can. She wants for all of us to pass her classes and move on in the program. I happen to be doing very well in her classes, a A- and an A. It is the first semester that the nursing program as instituated perception testing into the PN portion of our program, and many students are struggling with this type of testing. It seems to me that a lot of the students who aren't doing well want to place the blame on our instructor.

During clinicals, through email and before and after class this week, the students are coming up with a list of names of people in the program who think their bad grades are directly related to our instructors teaching ability, and they plan to take this list, as well as their list of complaints, to the Dean of the nursing program. I, of course, side stepped placing or having my name places on this list because I think our instructor is doing a fine job of teaching our classes, and she has avocated for us within the program . . . bringing our concerns to the program directors and Dean.

Now my problem is I feel I should make the instructor aware of what is going on with the students in her classroom. I think she has a right to know that her students are, essentially plotting against her, but I'm not sure if I'm in the right or wrong bringing this to her attention. I don't know if I should tell her my concerns with the class's actions or just stay out of it and let the chips fall where they may.

Your opinion??

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I would just stay out of it: these students are not being wise. Instead of plotting against the instructor, they should be asking for assistance in order to pass the tests.

Going to the instructor might be necessary later but I would first see how this pans out: you might suggest to your fellow students to take the high road in this case by asking what they can do to improve their scores. Blaming the instructor is pretty lame IMHO.

[missjennmb]

unfortunately I agree. While I too would want to help the instructor, I think that this kind of drama would only get in the way of your goals. If you were to "go behind their backs" and let the teacher in on it, you would have a VERY big mob of angry failing students glaring darts into your back for the remainder of your time there (or until the next drama comes about). I learned this the hard way in speaking up about something I felt strongly about, and I regret it, even though I feel I was in the right. Keep your head down, your grades up, and sidestep the drama. The likelihood is that the school will side with the teacher, because students placing blame elsewhere when they are doing poorly is far from a new concept. If it came to that point and something bad was truly going to happen (i.e. the Dean was siding with the students) maybe THEN I would comment to him, in private but I doubt it would come to that, really.

I'd be honest if asked, but I would do everything else possible to just stay out of it. A few years from now it will be just a distant memory.

[txnursingqt]

I think for the most part that I would stay out of it. But if you really wanted to let the instructor could you leave an anonymous letter for her, giving her the heads up. I know we can leave mail for our instructors in their mailbox or under their door. Just a thought.

[Jolie, BSN]

Your concern for your instructor is admirable. But I agree with the others that you should not get involved.

I suspect that your instructor probably has some idea of your classmates' dissatisfaction, as disgruntled students are rarely quiet or discreet about their complaints.

Your best method of lending a hand to your instructor is to give her an honest evaluation at the end of the semester, specifically listing her strengths and honestly mentioning her weaknesses. If you are inclined, you may send her a note of appreciation at the end of the semester after grades have been posted, and CC the dean.

[DA314]

I would steer clear. If this instructor really is as good as you say, then there is nothing to worry about. When the students move on to the next instructor and do poorly there too, the school will know the problem is them, not the teacher. By getting involed you are going to alienate yourself from your peers, many of whom you may be working with someday. Try not to burn bridges before your career even starts.

[Melinurse]

I would just stay out of it: these students are not being wise. Instead of plotting against the instructor, they should be asking for assistance in order to pass the tests.

Going to the instructor might be necessary later but I would first see how this pans out: you might suggest to your fellow students to take the high road in this case by asking what they can do to improve their scores. Blaming the instructor is pretty lame IMHO.[/quote

I agree, stay out of it.

[dinah77, ADN]

Yup, I also think you should not get involved- these students are kinda dumb if they go staright to the dean, in addition to how lame it is that tahy are blaming their grades on the teacher-a nay decent dean is gonna ask them if they talke dtothe instructor prior to coming to the,

But I thik it's cool that you wanna help the teacher- maybe an anymous note is the way to go?

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

A NS school dean will probably always side on the side of the instructor, unless they have HARD evidence that the instructor is causing the bad test scores. Really? They don't like her teaching style, and that's why they get bad grades? PSSSHHHH. They need to be ADULTS, and understand that at the end of the day, you are responsible for your own knowledge. If they want it spoon-fed to them, or if they are not doing extra studying, then they deserve whatever they get.

Stay out of it. Cause when it comes down, you will not be lumped with the complainers or the whiners. Just keep your head down, and do the best work you know you are capable of.

I'm sure that the first argument would be, "well, explain to me why the style is so bad if people are getting A's and B's." Dang entitlement generation.