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Communication with Students
- How do I use office hours most effectively?
- Should I impose boundaries on e-mail communication?
- What information is useful to include in a section website or a course management system?
- How should I deal with difficult students?
- How should I handle requests for homework and exam solutions and re-grading?
TA:
I always provide my email address during the first day of class and encourage students to use it. Many of them find it useful, especially the night before a deadline or a test. Of course, answering can easily turn into a time-consuming ordeal if all students decide on exercising this option. To avoid such a situation, I usually explain on the very first day how fast they can expect to hear back from me via email, what type of questions I can easily answer in that manner, and what type of questions are better asked in person.
Professor:
The choice is yours. I personally am available via email during “normal working hours” weekdays because I am balancing multiple responsibilities. Creating the boundary prevents work from intruding on family time. I have colleagues, however, who do not feel this is an issue for them and will respond to students’ email messages late at night. No matter what you decide to do, it is imperative that you let your students know about your email policy.
Student:
When I have a question, I want the answer right away. However, I understand that my professors and TA’s have a life, too. Just give me email guidelines so that I’ll know what to expect (and not send you a million “did you get my email?” emails because you didn’t answer right away).
