uninterested students
I also get stressed when a student or students don't show an interest in a subject or assignment that is crucial to the curriculum. This lack of seriousness really stresses me out but it's like talking to a wall. I've tried every technique to reach them but with little or no results. I usually gravitate to the students that do want to learn as a way to justify myself and relieve stress. Any suggestions?
Don't forget to always try to see things from the student's perspective. You must do what you can to get the students to "buy-in" to whatever material you're presenting. Imagine yourself as the student and ask, "What's in it for me?" (WIIFM). Start out your presentation on a given topic with how the knowledge, skill, or ability that they'll gain from your lesson will apply to them in a real-life situation they are likely to encounter in their career. Share your personal experiences with situations where you were able to successfully apply what you are trying to impart to your students. Buy-in is key to maintaining their interest and participation.
Kimberly, That sounds like a tough situation. When you have students who are particularly challenging, I recommend speaking to your administration first to explore options of how to manage through it. This will help you come up with new approaches, but more importantly, will help your administrators get transparency into problem students prior to them complaining about your calling them out.
Dr. Melissa Read
I completely agree that students have a high stress level. Quite a few students of my students are young parents, and have a lot on their plates with their home life. I feel that immaturity also plays a huge factor with the majority of my students. Does anyone have any advise on techniques to help me to reduce my stress and frustration with them in the classroom? What can I say to the student who act out in class with an immature attitude? These students are usually disrupting class lecture with their immature comments, texting on their phones or working on other work during the class time? When I write the students up for their behavior, ask them to leave the classroom or to stop eating or texting during class, the students turn it around on me and complain that I am picking on them or "calling them out".
Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks.
I agree, having students seem uninterested is frustrating and can be stressful . I found that I have a student who is very shy and seems to not participate in class, but really knows her stuff when we talk one on one. Keep going
Sometimes what seems as if the student is uninterested may be a result of being tired. Some of these students work long hours and have to deal with other issues outside of the classroom. I wonder sometimes how some students even focus in class despite the 'mountains' in their lives. I will go the 'extra mile' for a student who shows interest. However, talking to students at times, I realize that "the heart is willing but the flesh is weak."
Motivation of student and keeping them interested in the topic can be challenging but can be accomplished. Making the topics relevant to real situation help to sparks interest.
