I disagree with the sentiment that students should be treated as customers. Especially in the younger adult learning environment, my experience is this shifts the focus from education to profit. Focusing on the quality of the education or the course as a whole will return positive reviews, and make students more likely to recommend the course to others.
There are valid criticisms of the phrase "students as customers". One must remember that this category is different from a business customer. We provide a service, but the students are more than a financial transaction.
Students as customers, and Instructors as the Product Providers might seem shallow through an economic lens, but it is exactly that. It is our responsibility as instructors to take that lens and make it as personable as possible. We transform the simple economic transaction into something fruitful that can potentially change student futures.
Customer in teaching institution is the one who benefits in the service rendendered which is the knowledge. Student is remained it to be tested whether the knowledge is picked up and retained as it the goal of teaching .
It is interesting to view the dynamics of instructors as entertainers if it is in the business perspective, but the objective is to teach and educate so that students can learn applicable skills in their profession.
Good customer service keeps students
Students of higher learning institutions are technically considered customers because they are being charged for the education they are receiving, however we cannot treat students as if they are customers and "the customers always right" mentality, because they need to be independent and focused on the materials they are being taught and make sound and responsible decisions.
Students are, our primary customers. Treated fairly, listening is a key point to ther success. Willingness to listen, is hard when many distractions occur. It is best, to set aside time to listen to the issues, rather than acting first.
Comment on LaurIene Medina's post: I agree that communication is important
Comment on Sharon Sims-Drew's post:
Good stuff to keep in mind and be aware of:
- Listens attentively.
- Communicates in the student's style whether it be in person, by phone, or using technology.
- Treats students fairly and equally.
- Creates a close interpersonal relationship with a student to minimize any negative effects.
Student- centered learning and communication are key parts in student education.
Students as customers is definitely an interesting topic. I agree with the customer-oriented instruction guidelines provided: Listen attentively, Treat students fairly and equally, and create a closer personal relationship with students to minimize any negative effects. Instructors are tools for the student to learn.
Respect is essential with interpersonal interactions regardless of being a business or educational situation.
Although students are customers their educational outcome should be the focus
Appreciate the study showing the relationship is affected when treating the student as a customer when it is not student oriented.
Students should not be viewed as customers. They should be viewed as investments that require dedication from teachers and administrators.
I learned about the customer-friendly service and institution which is student focused, accounts for the student needs and preferences, committed to effective and responsive solutions, flexible and creative people working at the institution, and professional performance.
The student should feel like they are receiving the education they are paying for.
We as instructors need to have good communication skills when speaking to the student's. Without the students, schools would not be able to give them an education. In a sense they are the "customer". However in a buisness if a customer is upset they may tell ten of their friends. I feel that students can do that as well.
We all have been in a situation were a student feels they are right when they haven't been. Again, we all need to have good communication skills. Dealing with a student or customers can be difficult. How we react and communicate can make the difference in the outcome.
