DIFFICULT STUDENT
HOW CAN WE ENGAGE DIFFICULT STUDENT IN CLASS PARTICIPATION
Martha, Hmm? Is it possible that she just needs the positive feedback she knows she will receive? Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I have a student who is always asking questions I know she knows the answer to. She asks the same questions over and over again. So I just started asking her back, Why do you feel or think and she answers it back the correct way. So I'm hoping I've encouraged her not to doubt herself so much. I praise her for the question and the fact she knew the answer.
Hi Michael, Thanks for your post to the forum and for sharing some good advice to deal with difficult students!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Spend some time with them, I do not recommend allowing taking over the class, but allow to ask a legitimate question and redirect to class or answer truthfully. Do not become angry or become defensive. This student has needs just like the rest of your students. This will often placate the student and make an ally.
Hi Erin, Thanks for your post to the forum. Students are always surprised by how many in their class had the very same questions! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I think that varying your questioning style and research methods can help with this as well. Some students don't want to speak up in class because they're more shy and reserved about speaking in front of a class. This is where a notecard technique can help... have students write their question on cards and you can go over them in the next class. Or ask students to think of at least one question they have and find the answer themselves via research on the internet. This may be a way to engage students who do not readily participate in a typical setting.
Hi James, Yes, students do become more engaged in their learning when they see the relevancy to their own lives/experiences.
Susan Polick
I agree...I try to relate my classess and the questions to the student experiences and that tends to draw most of them into the conversation.
Hi Fayez, I recommend the same techniques we use with any student. We begin by asking questions that students can relate to and feel more comfortable with.
Susan Polick
