Mean-spirited students
Does anyone have any advice on how to deal with mean-spirited students who complain behind your back, discount your teaching because they don't think they need the essentials your teaching, and in general like to rock the boat and make themselves more important than anything else in their education? I have an unfortunate feeling that these students are generational and are everywhere.
I totally agree with you Michael. In my experience I have found that the reason they go behind your back and do their disruption that way is that they do not like confrontation. So the best way is to speak with them head on. Usually they will back down because they know you are going to call them on it. As you say it doesn't always work but I would say my results are better than 50 -50
Hi Sherri,
I love your perspective. I can tell you truly care about your students. Although you are young, obviously your students respect you and look up to you. Keep being a super role model and handle students as you are doing.
Patricia Scales
Hi Ro,
It has worked for me. I have even had mean-spirited students removed from class. You must let these students know that you will not tolerate this type of behavior. They will take these same unacceptable traits in the workplace, if we do not try to put a stop to this maddness.
Patricia Scales
Hi Marti,
They are everywhere, and unfortunately they will carry these same traits into the workplace because they are employees out there too just like these mean-spirited students. All you can do is have a private firm conversation with these type of students. You are who you are.
Patricia Scales
Marti - I hope this thread gets to you! This is an excellent question! I am the youngest faculty member in my department. I find I have less trouble with my students than all the other faculty. I do believe age is a factor - the students are more willing to talk to me - however, I also am genuinely interested in them - so, my sincerity shows. What I have found, is that some students have an insatiable need to "be" the smartest, the best, the fastest...whatever - but this need stems from insecurity. It is imperative that you have specific, open, honest, straight forward discussions with these students and call them on their behavior. I agree that most do not realize how others perceive them. I have also found that allowing them some leadership opportunities (which I spread around to everyone) helps them be more comfortable in class. Also.....sometimes I just "ride" their showboating. Every time they crash and burn.....in front of the class. This teaches humility. I then discuss the outcome as a class so that everyone can learn from that person's mistakes. The rest of the class has the opportunity to engage in critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork. Also, it brings the showboater inline with the rest of the class - as a student, not the master :)
Michael, I agree with with, but taking points away for interruptions and rude behavior? Have this work for you?
I agree with you Michael. I think that it is important to pull the student aside and discuss the behavior. I attempt to keep this discussion calm and respectful so I can model the behavior.
Sometimes, the student was honestly unaware of how his/her behavior was being perceived. Some students are returning to school, and they see this as an opportunity to become whatever student they always wanted to be. This, of course, goes beyond grades and treads into social territory, as well.
Some students still feel that this is a continuation of senior year of high school--"the best year". They need to be reminded that high school is finished, and they made the decision to continue their education as an adult.
If the student is still not participating as a member of the class, I do deduct points from participation/discussion/professionalism (however you choose to label it on the syllabus). I am also happy to have reminder discussions with the student when he/she sees that his/her grades are low, which they will inevitably be if the student is dismissing the course content and delivery. At this level, students make choices, and choices have consequences. I find that once this is discovered, there is usually a change of heart.
I think the first thing you need to do is pull them aside and talk one-on-one about the importance of the material you are teaching, trying to highlight specific examples of the relevance of the information. If you can't win them over, ask them to be considerate of the other students and let them have every opportunity to learn the material. If that still doesn't work, then the only recourse, in my opinion, is to discipline the student by taking away points for interruptions and rude behavior.
