Dealing with students with disruptive behaviors
The first offense is served with a warning. Often times, students are just excited to be in the class. If behavior is persistent, immediately escort the student out of the classroom and talk to them in private. Let them know of the consequences of continued behavior. Documentation is very important.
I am somewhat considering a seating chart. I am seeing a number of benefits. The thing is I like to give students as many options as possible to increase comfort. I think I will just ask students to move up if I think they are having trouble understanding or paying attention.
At the beginning of each term I announce the rules of the classroom and follow through. They each get 100 points. I have a list of infractions that get deducted from that 100 and if none are incurred they get 100 pts.
One of my pet peeves is someone answering a question when you call on Student A and another Student B jumps in answering for Student A instead of waiting for Student A to answer. If they do that I deduct 5 pts. You can make up your own rules and type them out so each student knows the consequences.
I have found that it works because word spreads and the next term they are all on their toes and call each other out and it seems to bring some light-heartedness along with some structure.
I have always requested a briefing from the instructor whose module precedes my own inorder to find out about needy students, talkers, attitudes etc. I then make a seating chart, mixing new mod with old mod on the basis of strengths and weaknesses. Those with issues, whether behavioral or physical are always placed near the front with their second mod partner for the benefit of all!!! Has worked very well for years!!
I agree with you here. I have had to take care of several situations in my classes, of disruptive behavior. I try my best not to do it in the midddle of the class, so as not to cause embarassment by "calling them out" in class. What I try to do is take them aside during the break, and talking to them, and explaining that their disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. So far, that has worked well.
Hi Jimmie,
It has to be nipped in the bud; situations must be handled quickly and swiftly, otherwise things will escalate.
Patricia
While I agree with L Sebastian, I believe that corrective action should be done immeadiately in the best interest of the entire class. Sometimes this mean on the spot in the class room.
