Disruptive students
How do you feel about not giving the disruptive students any attention? I feel this works.
I teach online so my class time is actually in an online chat room. I have found that a combination of ignoring them int he main chat discussion, along with privately messaging them helps to end the disruption. Sarah
janice,
I think this is a great strategy to help engage these individuals & to encourage them to be part of the solution.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Sometimes I refer to that student to make a suggestion on how we can proceed
Honestly, I don't think disruptive students will stop being distruptive just because you are not paying attention to them. I feel that you should ask them to stop. If they don't then I would take them aside and tell them that there is no time for disruption and if they can not respect you, then they should leave the class.
In a perfect world...yes.
I share your concerns and comments, but we have an open enrollment policy that accepts anyone and everyone, and unfortunately we are stuck with those who do not value the learning environment and are trying to find out exactly what they want in theirs lives and how to go about and get it.
I have found it makes me a better instructor with these students as I have to find that key that enables me to get to really know them and find a real solution for them to succeed, either in my class or any other options that work for them.
This leaves a lasting experience for future students in a similar situation.
As mentioned with other comments, there are many reasons why students are disruptive.
I tend to give them more attention.
For the following days demo's, I tell the student that they will be doing the Demo for the day.
For me it accomplishes 2 things.
1. It gets the student to think how his/her actions impact the rest of the class. and
2.It gets them prepared for all the necessary mental/Physical tools needed to prepare for the days activities.
They then react in a positive,more controlled and respectful manner, and have a better interaction with the class structure.
Hi Lisa,
When dealing with disruptive students it is important for the instructor to establish himself/herself as the authority. I will ask a disruptive student to step outside of the classroom and reassure the student that he/she will be acknowldged by raising their hand. Most disruptive student respond positively knowing that they will be acknowledge if they follow the classroom policies.
I have made it a rule to never engage a student in front of the classroom, because the student will instinctive go into a defensive mode and this makes it harder to reach the student. Most students who are disruptive are seeking attention and my goal is to modify their disruptive tendencies.
I agree not to get upset with the student, I find in most cases if you can involve the disruptive student in classroom activies,the student may become less disruptive. If this does not work a discussion with the student outside the class may work.
Why are disruptive students allowed to be in class? This is not fair to the others who want to learn. This disruptive student should be delt with by management outside of the classroom. I am here to teach willing students. You can't teach someone who has a bad attitude about learning.I want to spend time teaching those who are interested, not using valuable time on the one who doesn't care.
If you are analyzing the function of the behavior more often than not it is due to a need for more attention. If you feed the need in a positive manner you are less likely to have disruptive behaviors. Also, reinforcing desired behaviors in a positive manner helps to build skills and diffuse negative behaviors.
How much warning and coaching should we give them. I acan understand the warnings and coaching in Jr. high but in secondary education the students aere adult lerners and should be expected to act like adults.
Hi John!
I've found with disruptive students, it's more about ego or self doubt. As I've said so many times, encouraging and reenforcing the positive behaviors can work miracles with these students.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Students are disruptive because of a number of factors including boredom, egotism, insecurity, and fear. It is important to not overreact to the disruptive behavior. As the leader of the class it is imperative to understand if the behavior is a reptilian retort because of an inability to process the information, or is more of a boredom-ego reaction.
With the former, one on one review or another try using a different learning technique may be the answer. With the latter, there is more success changing this behavior by one one one counseling and tutoring on a more basic level so the student builds an understanding and will be less fearful.
From my experience I feel that ignoring disruptive students does not solve the problem. If it is the first time the student should be called out and asked to explain what the problem is,or give their opinion. This should decrease their desire to be noticed.
If the disruptive behavior continues then they should be asked to leave the class. The instructor should later have a meeting with the student to discuss the situation.
It depends on how disruptive they are being. If it's something mild, I just ignore it. But when it starts interfering with other students' ability to learn, that's when I ask them to leave the class.
Hi Richard!
Great awareness of your students' needs. As I've stated on several occasions, when instructors reenforce the positive behaviors, it's less likely that students will continue to be disruptive. People want acceptance and acknowledgement (some more than others)and when they get the positive reenfocement, learning takes place for all concerned.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
There are many different kinds of disruption in a classroom setting. Some student are attention- getters, constantly talking out of turn or talking while you lecture or demonstrate. Others get upset very easily with their classmates or themselves.
I think controlling these student is greatly tied into classroom management and how engaged they are with the curriculum. If they feel they can't accomplish something they revert to there "defense mechanisms" and lash out. So it is very important to make sure all teaching style are engaged.
Hi Cynthia!
I hope you took the opportunity to read some of the post. I made some comments about dealing with disruptive students.
I really think that in many instances it's an attention-getting device and it's important that we reenforce the positive. So whatever it takes for an instructor to give that positive attention is important.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
most students can be reasoned with. If a student is disruptive, I would speak with the student after class, and usually that works.
