The Joker
I have a student in class that I really do enjoy talking to, but I have trouble keeping him on task. As soon as he gets to challenging question in our lab work, he starts making jokes and talks about how there's no way he will ever be able to do the work. I've tried playing along, ignoring the behavior and I had a one-on-one frank discussion with him about his actions. His joking interferes with his ability to receive redirection and new information. He agreed that he uses humor as a defense mechanism and he admitted the he didn't think it was helpful. After our conversation he went right back to his old behavior! He really is talented and capable...any suggestions about how I can help him stop hiding behind his humor?
In this case, Bo, I'd stress the importance of attendance in the successful completion of the course. At our campus students who are absent are recorded so in minutes, so if a student arrives on time, stays 45 minutes, and leaves for the last 30 minutes of class, they are marked as 30 minutes absent. This may not be the case at your campus, but once students start to see how their actions negatively affect their academic standing, they will start to improve.
I also like the idea of taking attendance after break, or at the end of class.
It was mentioned in this thread, but talking to the student one on one as you have already talked about is a good start. Approaching the situation positively and getting them to agree on their behavior I think is important.
Then ask THEM what they would like to do to correct the behavior, come to an agreement, then follow up as needed.
This way you have the backing that they come up with the plan and you are just following up!
Hi Bo,
I often teach classes that meet from 6 pm to 10 pm in the evening. In the past, I have had some students leave after the break around 8:15 pm if I have taken attendance earlier. I started taking attendance about a half hour after the break. That has cured most of that problem. If the same student is asking to leave early habitually, I'd tell them that they are paying for the course and the only way to get credit and complete learning from the course is to attend the entire length of teach class. I have also worked hard at making sure the classes are engaging, fun, and particularly student focused.
This is really helpful questions.
I also had this problem.
The joker had bad effect to the other students.
Good to know the solution.
Plus, I also had problem with Vanishing student.
Always, ask in class "have to leave early."
How can I do with the early leaver?
Take the person aside and express your behavioral concerns. Explain proper manner and procedure one on one with the student.
Maybe you could turn his weakness into a strength by enlisting him to write the jokes for you to use in class, or at least for your private amusement. Or, maybe for each joke you could say something like, "Thank you for that, now can you also do ...?"
Hi Amy,
I would give him a specific assignment to complete. I would do this in the form of a learning contract laying out the exact steps he needs to follow and time lines for completion. I would also work to refocus his behavior so he doesn't joke his way out of situations that require him to put forth effort. You have started on the right path with the steps you have completed so far. Try the contract and see how he responds to having his tasks laid out for him where the opportunity for avoidance through joking is greatly reduced.
Gary
