By JW McNay/managing editor
Students complaining about a teacher is not a new thing and probably won’t stop any time soon, but is their frustration ever justified?
Complaints are often readily dismissed with inquiries such as “Did you ask questions?” or “Are you trying your hardest?” And honestly, those are fair to ask.
Many students fall short of doing everything in their power before unfairly raising an issue with a teacher. Students do have a responsibility to get the most out of their classes. However, teachers also have a responsibility to give students the tools they need to learn and succeed.
If a college student doesn’t study at all or misses a lot of days, then they can’t justify taking issue with what they get out of the class. For those who attend every day and make an effort, they may or may not have much justification for their complaints.
Teachers are only human, and it’s a challenge to educate a classroom of students who may have different learning styles. It’s almost impossible for every student to each get the exact same thing out of a class.
However, students do have the right to be frustrated with a teacher. Feedback and keeping lines of communication open is part of the educational process, and frustration can lead to improvement on both sides if a resolution is attempted. After all, frustration shouldn’t be permanent.
But students may be wary of approaching a teacher with such issues because it’s an uncomfortable situation or just don’t feel like dealing with it. This is a shame because most teachers are likely to resolve issues or come to an understanding with disgruntled students.
Cases may still exist where a teacher falls short of meeting their responsibilities to their students, and it is frustrating for even one case of this to exist because it can affect someone’s future.
It’s all right to complain about a class. But teachers and students alike should recognize the situation and look for ways to resolve it. Students and teachers can both do better, not just students.
Education is a path toward something greater in life, and frustration should not be allowed to derail one’s future.
