Disrespectful behavior
How do you best handle a student that consistently makes negative comments out loud in class?
If you were the instructor, the best move would be to ignore it for the moment as to not escalate the situation in front of students, but then ask to speak to the student after class and address the issue. You would explain to the student that, in a professional work environment, sometimes you have to sit in meetings and listen to managers and do a lot of "boring stuff" that you "already know about", but it is not professional to express it. Everything she is learning in the classroom is relevent, but not just in content - it's also preparing her for when she graduates and becomes employed. Then just listen to her response. She might want to vent about her frustration with having to repeat the course or something else, but often once the student feels her voice has been heard and that her teacher understands her point of view, she is not as likely to have a repeat outburst. If she does, then speak to her program director about her disruptive behavior.
I witnessed a student in a colleagues class, burst out how boring the lecture was. The instructor did nothing. However, I asked the student why she said that and she said because she had already taken the class. If I was the instructor would it have been inappropriate to ask her that outloud, during the lecture? I wanted to bring her up and let her give the lecture.
From an administrative standpoint, I believe the student should be advised and counseled in a setting outside of the classroom, away from peers, and have the student sign an acknowledgement of the pattern of negative behavior. There is something to be said for the pen to paper acknowledging the poor behavior.
Poor behavior will not be tolerated. It should be taken out immediately. It is a shame that 90% of a teachers time be taken up by the 10% that don't act like they should. I lay down the law, and put the line in the sand on the first day of a course.
Thank you for your very good advice
Yes, the other students are also watching you very closely to see how you manage these problems. They want you to take control and fix problems.
I will definitely talk to the student as soon as I notice inappropriate comments and /or behavior. Not the favorite part of my job but letting it continue is not fair to anyone. Not to those good students who want to learn, the teacher trying to educate, or the disruptive student who is not learning how to succeed in business.
Hi Steve,
Yes, Steve this is exactly how I handle this type of student. I will not tolerate disrespect from students.
Patricia Scales
I ask the student to join me in the hallway and we have conversation about the students disrespectful comments. I have been known to stop class and address the students comments asap. I will not let it continue in my class.
Hi Marshall,
Yes, and do not allow students to be negative and pull others in with them.
Patricia Scales
I agree Patricia; Negative comments can become infectious and can pull down the morale of the entire class.
Hi Vicki,
The conversation will definitely make a difference.
Patricia Scales
Patricia,
Thank you for your response. Next time it happens I will talk with her.
Hi Vicki,
Do not tolerate this type of behavior. Talk to the students privately, yet firmly, and let he/she know that this behavior must stop, otherwise you will remove he/she from your class. Make sure to follow through and do what you have said, otherwise you will have no credibility with the student. Keep your DOE in the loop.
Patricia Scales
