Problem students
How do you deal with students who just dont get along in class.
Hi Danielle,
Good point. I have "professional points" that are earned throughout the course based upon the behavior of students and how they contribute to the course. The points are designed to help students to developed the needed soft skills for career success.
Gary
There are those students that have made this behavior an artform. They did it all through high school and they love the negative attention. I find it helpful to make professional behavior part of their participation grade.
Hi Bill,
Great to hear that you are having success with the student. Sometimes this is all it takes to remind the individual that you care about their success but they are preventing success from coming their way through their behavior.
Gary
Hi Gary:
I appreciate your response I did pull the student aside and reminded them that the behavior must improve. We have had two classes since then and things are much better.
I liked your comments about "this is your one and only second chance" and will remember that for the future.
Regards,
Bill
Hi Bill,
I pull the student aside and talk with him/her individually and ask what the problem is. I explain that this cannot continue and strive to create an agreement between me and the student concerning future behavior. I remind the student that is is their one and only second chance. 99% of the time this solves the problem if it doesn't they are removed from the class.
Gary
Reading these posts has been helpful. In class we are often trying to create a learning environment where the class learns not just from me but from the rest of the class. One disruptive student can spoil it for everyone else in the class. In the spirit of trying to let adults work problems out for themselves problems could continue to percolate if they are not immediately addressed. At the first sign of raised voices or unprofessional behavior a student needs to be removed from the class and counseled.. At least that is how I have tried to do it. Any other suggestions?
Thanks, Bill
Hi Mark,
Thank you for this great walk through on dealing with challenging students. I can tell through your comments that you have had extensive experience dealing with all of these different types. In each case the needs of the students are being met and you are helping them to become professionals in their field. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I'm no expert, but here are my thoughts. Problem students really are students who haven't found a way to feel comfortable with themselves, their classmates, their learning environment, or the instructor. While I don't know this to be the case, I believe I have a certain reputation with students. I start off tough, then give ground through flexibility. I preach professionalism, and let them know what behavior is expected in the industry. This helps out a lot with those students seeking guidelines. For those that push, I push back (figuratively.) I let them know quickly what I won't tolerate. For those that are left, those with real problems, I try to sit down with them, discuss what they are trying to accomplish, and let them know how their actions could keep them from their dreams. I was the recipient of one of those discussions and found that beneficial. I also found it inspiring that someone would take the time to tell me what I really needed to hear.
Hi Dee Dee,
Thanks for sharing these suggestions for working with challenging students. They cannot be allowed to take over the classroom. By addressing the behavior and making suggestions for how to behave you are doing a service to and for the students. As you say many don't know what acceptable behavior is in the workplace.
Gary
Ignoring them is certainly NOT a good solution! The problem will not just go away. Many students really do not have an idea of what is and is not appropriate behavior in the classroom. The classroom is a preparation for a job, and the expectations should be the same. If a student is late for class, does not complete his or her work, or disrupts class there must be some type of action taken. This differs based on the student. Sometimes simply pointing out the problem, and having a discussion with them is sufficient. They may have to be reminded once or twice, but this often works. Of course I work mostly with adult students as opposed to those fresh out of high school.
Hi Jim,
Would like to add another post to the previous one I sent you. How do you handle disruptive students in your classroom/lab? What have you found to be the most effective steps to follow in resolving the situation?
Thanks for you input on this.
Gary
Hi Jim,
Good point. All of the students have paid to be in the class. Everyone of them is entitled to receive instruction without the disruptions or fear. We cannot let disruptive students control the class, period.
Gary
A distrubtive student needs a firm notice that the instructor is in control. That no amount of bullying will be aloowed
Hi Deborah,
Also, it is good to have another person aware of the situation in case there is ever any question about how the situation was handled. If a student has to be removed from a program the more documentation you have the stronger the case is for such removal.
Gary
Bringing the situation to the attention of your supervisor would be useful. Possibly calling the student in for a meeting to discuss underlying issues to get to the root of problems that may exist in the student being successful.
Hi Pamela,
Good comments on how to handle different student situations. You hit the key point when you said look at each situation and then work to resolve it. As instructors we are called upon to do many things and working with and controlling student behavior while in class is one of them. We can do it but it takes experience and consultation in order to make it successful for everyone.
Gary
This question is somewhat broad, as this could signify difference concerns:
Scenarios:
Problems among personalities
Solution - Work for ways to cure the "rift" through teambuilding exercises, specifically targetted group projects, etc.
"Crazy" students
Every once in a while, a student with unique issues will disrupt a class. These situations may require the involvement of the program manager, dean, counselor or student services. It is possible that a one on one conversation with a student could be productive, but this is aware of the affect of their behaviors and geniunely will self correct when approached.
Disengaged students who disrupt: Look at the method of teaching and see if more "hands on" activities can be added. Give the disengaged students more responsibility. Use methods of reward and recognition.
These are just three examples, there are many, many more issues that can arise in classes. The trick is to take these situations one student at a time and to learn from each one.
Hi Meghan,
You are doing the right things in terms of trying to motivate and engage the students. I would continue your efforts.
I teach a required course at 7:00pm-10:00pm in the evening so I face tired non-interested students much like yours. I do a number of activities that requires them to move around the classroom, go into work groups and complete certain exercises. I find this helps to get the "challenging" students engaged some. If they refuse to participate and this happens rarely I remove them from the class. I have the support of my administration to do such. I will not allow them to disrupt the class.
Gary
In the spirit of this topic, how would you deal with students who have no interest in the course, and are only showing up because it is required, or they are being forced into it by family expectations? I teach a general education class, and several of the students refuse to do the work, take notes, or even come to class. Even after I have talked to them informing them that if their behavior continues there will be consequences, they still act out or are no shows. I constantly try to inspire them and link the information I teach to subjects interesting to them personally, however sometimes it is just not enough. Any suggestions?
