Graduation Term
2022
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
School of Communication
Committee Chair
John F. Hooker
Committee Member
Cheri J. Simonds
Abstract
Instructor flexibility, specifically in cases that contradict one’s syllabus policy, has received scant attention in communication scholarship. This study sought to understand why instructors grant or deny student requests, the ethical perspectives that instructors use when making their decisions, and the role of student engagement in those decisions. Through a thematic analysis of instructor answers to an open-ended survey, results indicated that flexible instructors consider student behavior and engagement, emphasis on learning, supporting student success, and concern for the student’s situation when granting a student request that defies a syllabus policy. Inflexible instructors reported adhering to classroom policy and promote student equality through fairness, consistency, and not considering student characteristics when making their decision. Instructors noted they consider other factors such as extenuating circumstances, communication habits, assignment details, and equality when granting student requests. Finally, evidence of all five ethical perspectives—political, human nature, dialogical, situational, and utilitarianism—were found as lenses that instructors used to grant or deny student requests that break instructor policy.
Access Type
Thesis-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Thedorf, Erianne, "Exploring Instructor Flexibility: the Decision To Grant or Reject Student Requests, the Instructor Ethical Perspective, and the Role of Student Engagement" (2022). Theses and Dissertations. 1625.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/1625
DOI
https://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2022.20221020070314936850.999963