Disgruntled students
What should be the steps taken if one warning does not help?
Would another warning, removing from class, and then reporting to admin. be good?
I totally agree, afterwards I wondered if I handled that correctly. Thanks
Annshawn,
With the handling of the situation you retained control of your class. You are the learning leader and as such you have to be in charge. There was a test of wills and you passed the test by keeping the class moving forward. The loss of her participation is to be expected but by her not participating you no longer have to try and keep her in check. So her pout is a loss for her and a gain for the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I actually had an incident like that very recently in my class, with this incident I learned by trial and error, the student has a very unbecoming attitude, and after several instances,and repeated warnings, I did not pull her aside, I reprimanded her in front of the entire classroom.I also asked the student to leave the setting. Every since that incident, I have not had any more problems with the student. But she does not actively participate in class anymore.
Harold,
Not exactly sure how to answer this question because it depends upon what you are observing. I think when a students disrupts the learning of others then that individual should be talked with privately and have the behavior expectations laid out. Then if the student continues to disrupt then at that point he or she should be removed from the class because they do not have the right to interfere with the learning of others. Paying tuition does not entitle anyone to do what they want without regard for others.
As for disruption being a skill that is learned. To some extent I think it is because in high school being disruptive often times results in "rewards" such as removal from class, assignments being dismissed and even being suspended. As adults they try the same behavior but it doesn't work the same because post-secondary education is not compulsory so they have chosen to be there and they need to comply with the policies and requirements of the college and class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
At what point does the disruption become so severe that it impedes the learning of other students. Is this a skill that is learned?
Melissa,
Good advice for working with a disruptive student. Each step builds on the other in relation to how the student responds. If behavior does not change then we remove the student from class because no one has the right to interfere with the learning of others.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Gary,
This is a good way to help students realize that one, their actions will not be tolerated and two that you care about their success. Generally, one of these talks is enough to get the students refocused and back on track.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe that the second step to be taken if one warning does not help would be another warning followed by taking the disgruntled student aside and speaking with him or her about possible dismissal from the course. Embarassing a student in front of others is definitely not the answer because it could cause the student to react instead of proactively taking care of the situation. It would be wise to privately report the student to administration because the student could become explosive without warning and the instructor would be at fault for not reporting the student's behavior, which could become potentially dangerous for others. Also, we have to remain professional and remember that that particular student entrusts us with their problems and we may compromise that trust. We also have to remember that other's safety is at stake should the disgruntled student take action. We strive to make our learning environments conducive to learning and not feel threatened by it.
I find that pulling the student aside and explaining the gravity of their actions can convey how serious you really are
Yves,
A second warning is in order if there is no danger present with the students behavior. Also, a private conversation should be held to try and gain additional information from and about the student. If the behavior does not change then removal from the course is appropriate. No student has the right to infringe upon the learning of others. Keep your administration informed so they will support you if you have to remove a student. It must be remembered by students that learning is not an entitlement it is an opportunity.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
