Ignoring the student feeds into them not getting the attention that they desire. I acknowledge their behavior by asking them a question based on what I am saying. When they cannot answer they are usually embarrassed and will be quiet and pay attention incase I called on them to answer another question.
If a student is disruptive to the point that it disturbs nearby students it must be dealt with. If the instructor does not want to be the "bad person" get a manager involved. They usually make better bad people than instructors and if there is a problem in the student's life causing the diruption, they are better equipped to deal with it (they have more resources than an instructor does).
I feel the disruptive student is only trying to get attention. I will usually ask him/her to stnd up and ask everyone in the class to turn around and look at him. After that, I comment on how they just got the attention they wanted, now could they please be quiet so we can continue with the lesson. This may not be as PC as most want, but it accomplishes the needed result.
I agree Robert!
Please take the opportunity to go back and read my response to Charlie. If the to be disruptive after a couple of private warnings, they should be sent to student services and not be dealt with in class at all. I think this can lead to even bigger challenges.
Good comments!
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Hi Charlie!
Since I have an extensive background in early childhood development, I am concerned about reenforcing negative behavior. Often when we think we have put a student on the spot, we have only reenforced that behavior. You well know, for some people more than others, that any type of reenforcement - be it positive or negative -is better than none.
The one thing that I remember someone saying to me during my early days of providing parenting education is "it's better to catch a child doing good and give praise than catching a child in a bad moment and give praise". It all becomes the same for the child.
Just a few thoughts!
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Charlie,
I agree and disagree with you. If it's the first instance of this kind of behavior, I believe that a private conversation is best. I don't know that you have to embarress them in front of their peers. But continued disruptive behavior needs to be handled ASAP and if that happens in front of their peers, well so be it.
sometimes calling them out and putting them on the spot in front of their peers will put a stop to it.
I also agree that disruptive students have to be delt with. I believe that in more serious situations where someone's well being is at risk or is inhibiting the learning process of someone else or the class, this needs to be addressed. I also believe that privately is best. One on one or two on one counseling allow you to get their undivided attention.
it just depends on what the student is doing that is disrupting and then i will decide weather to say something or ignore them.
Hi Charles!
I like your approach. No disruptive episode seems to be like any other.
The main thing that I try not to do is to escalate the situation. Most students can be reasoned with and brought back in line.
Keep up the good work1
Jane Davis
ED107 facilitator
I seem to have mixed feelings on how a student of this kind should be delt with and in some cases they want to be brought into the lime light. you have to pick your best way to deal with each student some you can jokingly bring in line other you may have to do one on one and then there are some that you cann't deal with on your own. but we all try to do the best with each student no matter which way and always in the best interest of the class as a whole.
Hi Lisa!
I understand what you are trying to do. When you recognize behavior - bad or good - you are reenforcing that behavior. Then it will happen over and over whether bad or good.
I do believe that certain disruptive behaviors can be ignored but others must be addressed. I think that instructors should be careful "to pick their battles".
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Hi Chris!
I totally agree! But I also think that students should be given advance warning about what is acceptable behavior. Hopefully, this will help head of any unaccepable behavior.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I agree with you about talking with the student in a private setting to curb inappropriate behavior. With minor things ( giving silly responses ,for instance)I will try to NOT acknowledge them which can work well in certain situations.
While it is true that disruptive students are acting out for attention by giving it to them it sets the wrong standard. They can't be allowed to derail the learning in the class. I will pull them aside to see what is happening in their lives that may be the root cause. however I will also make it quite clear that if that student wishes to stay in my class the rules must be followed.
An approriate measured response must be given to the disruptive student. The student should be isolated from the group so they will not be embarrassed and they must be instructed on what kind of behaviour is expected from them.
I have to dissagree with not giving disruptive students any attention. their behavior can't be tolerated just for the fact that it interfers with the students who wish to learn.
