Dealing with challenging students...
When students come in with attitudes, I address this right away by having a general discussion without pointing fingers. As instructors, we have developed a keen sense of hearing and can pretty much gauge the mood in the classroom. I start the discussion and offer up any suggestions of why the attitude and explain why they feel the way they feel. Usually the attitude stems from plain laziness or lack of understanding of the subject matter. For instance, a research paper is due and many students do not like writing papers so of course they will be disgruntled and complain. I explain that writing a research paper helps one think, analyze and communicate their knowledge of the topic and it shows their level of learning to the class.
~Louis
Hi Gena,
I believe that they are really not angry at anyone other than themselves. It appears that they may be upset with the instructor, but they are just angry because they don't understand or maybe not even angry, just simply frustated because of their lack of understanding.
Patricia
It is really hard at times to motivate a student and get through to them the relevance of a project or lesson. I agree that at times students don't understand what is expected of them, and their reaction can seem angry and disgruntled, who else can they blame, maybe themselves?
Indeed. Calm, thoughtful engagement with a surly student right there in the classroom is usually the best approach. It's imperative to reverse any negatively-charged air before class can continue.
If there's an opportunity to bring the entire class into a discussion about the opinion or gripe or negative attitude on display, so much the better. It reminds that student that there are others around him who can relate, but that they all must maintain the best possible attitude to succeed together.
If the attitude revolves around dissatisfaction with the school itself, hear them out, but do NOT let the class devolve into a free-for-all gripe session.
I find that consistency and effective follow-through is very effective in dealing with students. When students know what the rules are and that they will be consistently enforced, there are fewer problems. Without that, they will continue to push to see where the limits are.
