Sleeping in Class
How do you manage a sleeping student? I have tried different approaches to this question and they all seem to back fire on me. I have tried making a student stand up, tap them on the shoulder, make a loud noise, ask them a question directly and the student either doesn't care or goes running to my boss about how I embarressed them in front of their peers. Any suggestions?
Hi Tony,
Our students certainly have a lot going on in their lives, and some of them are really trying hard to make a better life. I understand your perspective when it comes to excuses/reasons.
Patricia
I have seen this as an ongoing issue. In some cases, the student's excuse can be valid as work late,infant up at night, an illness, etc. In those cases I attempt to work with the student to find ways of combating the drozyness. Then, for those that have no excuse, other than up all night texting, video gaming, tv,etc. I'll be direct with them and point out the negative consequences of their continued actions.
Hi Stephanie,
Test/quiz is a sure way to grab most students attention.
Patricia
I will give a pop quiz or spring a test on them that covers the subject matter that I have just gone over. This makes my students try a little harder to pay attention in my class.
privately ask student to go to this web side How to Stop Sleeping in Class
http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Sleeping-in-Class
I had this issue and I addressed it with the student on several occasions. Once The issue was not being corrected I went to the Director of Admissions and they helped enforce the schools policy on sleeping in class. This put a stop to the behavior quickly.
Hi Jeffrey,
I too graduated as valedictorian from high school, and I prioritized well so that I did not have to pull all nighters. I even played sports throughout my high school years. Time managment is key here. I have helped students come up with a time management schedule so that they can juggle it all. You are right our students have a lot going on, and if they don't manage their time well something will go lacking.
Patricia
Hi Loren,
Very fair, very real as it is in the workplace. I use the 1-2 approach, a warning the first go round and removal from the class the second go round. Sleeping will not be tolerated on the job.
Patricia
Our courses incorporate a participation grade that is quite broad and would include sleeping in class. I would use a 1-2-3 approach which is used in the work place. Talk to them initially, second time, talk to them and indicate that you will have to dock them their participation grade on such a day and include a note to that effect in their file. Third and successive times counsel them and let them know what this is costing them in terms of their grade.
I would certainly discuss it with their Program Director or the Director of Education.
When I was a student, I would fall asleep in class from working all night on a project. I've had students in my classes who simply have kids, work a job, and go to school, and something is going to lose out. The most important thing is to figure out what's going on through dialogue in private. Would it be better for them if they were placed in a different section at a different time of day?
Sleep deprivation is a compounding problem. As valedictorian I absolutely wanted to be awake and participate, and was simply exhausted. A question from the instructor would get me up for about ten minutes and get my heart pumping, and then I'd be right out again. A student who was already quiet or hesitant to participate is going to be well and truly out of the game. Then, there are going to be people without a valid excuse, and you simply have to take a hard line with them.
Hi Carolyn,
Awesome reponse! You are certainly on point as to how to handle a student sleeping in class.
Patricia
Hi Jean,
I have very little tolerance for students sleeping in class. I will warn them one time and give them pointers as to how to wake up, such as splash some water on the face, drink a cup of coffee, step outside for a few minutes, get up and stretch, etc.
Patricia
Carolyn I really like what you said. I will try this in my next class.
I try to pay particular attention to the aura of the room and I usually look at myself first...is my presentation of the material putting students to sleep? If I know it isn't me, I will usually ask the entire class to stand up, stretch, walk around and say hello to a neighbor, and give them a few minutes to do so. I like to do this so I am not singling any one person out. Then, if the student is still falling asleep, I will approach them and inquire as to why they are so tired (quietly). By now, others have probably noticed. I will advise them to leave the room if they cannot keep their head up. I do this for two reasons..1) if my boss walks by and sees a sleeping student in my class, I am in big trouble and 2) they are not setting a good example for others. This student can go get some water, take a bathroom break, or simply walk the hall for a moment. After class or on break, I might speak with the student privately and set the expectation that they will not sleep in class. I will ask if they understand the consequence of doing so, so there will be no surprises if it comes to a consequence.
As a new instructor I have seen a few differant ways of wakeing students up, but the one way that stands out for me is to give the nodding student something to do, even if it is writeing the ABC's on the board. This gets them up on their feet and moving. Also when they are up in front of everyone they are making sure they do not make any mistakes so they are more focused.
I agree, as instructors there is only so much we can do, I usually give them one chance, talk to them to see what is going on, the next time they are asked to leave the class and they get a 0 for the day.
Hi Lora,
You have tried everything on your end! Administration needs to support you and deal with this student because this type of behavior is totally unacceptable in the workplace.
Patricia
