overbearing student
What can be done when you have a student who demands ALL of your attention the entire class?
I have one student who follows me in the lab the entire class time, not to learn or ask questions, but to make the whole thing about him. It is taking my attention away from the rest of the class. I have tried different methods from being nice to down right outforth, and to no avail.
Hi Doreen,
Good approach that gets results without hurting any feelings. The private conversations really help students to understand what they are doing in relation to class flow and behavior.
Gary
A lot of times overbearing students just want to be heard. Sometimes I schedule a meeting with them to understand their intensions and get to know their learning style. Then I address how to actively engage them in learning so as not be a disturbance but a positive participant in the class. Sometimes they don't even realize they are that way.
Hi Antoinette,
Thank you for this strategy for dealing with a challenging student. I know it will be of help to other instructors facing the same situation.
Gary
When I have overbearing students, I always appoint a specific duty for them for each class. I keep that student busy and involve the student in helping to deliver the material, such as allowing the student to be the scribe or operating the audio-visual equipment, helping to collect papers. The student gets the attention that he/or she wants, but in a positive manner.
Hi Sharon,
When I have a student like this I do what you have already done. If I don't get results I put the student on a contract. This means that while we are in lab he/she must stay at their assigned station and they are allowed to ask only 5 questions during the lab. If the contract is broken the student will be dismissed from lab and not receive any credit for that day. It has worked well for me. I will say though that I have had to remove some students from the class because they would not follow the rules of the contract. I always get the approval of my administration when working through such a situation.
Gary
