students challenging you
every instructor should on day 1 let the students know they are in charge, and any disruptive students will be dealt with quickly.
I do, and I can see that the students who are really trying to get something out of class time are appreciative of enforcing policies, rules, etc. Thank you.
Hi Kary,
Go to your DOE and let the DOE know that everyone needs to make sure to enforce rules, policies, and procedures so that those who are enforcing rules, policies, and procedures do not look like the bad guy. Continue to be an enforcer, you are doing your job.
Patricia
I have a question I wonder how others deal with this...I think I do well in managing my classroom, but have had problems with students "testing" me with rules I know they are aware of (such as food in the classroom or cell phone use) because other instructors are lax on the policy. So, when I reprimand a student, when I later sit down with the student to discuss, they state "other teachers have allowed it."
Sometimes challenging an instructor comes from a student having the wrong answer to a question or interperting a question wrong. Making sure all involved are on the same page is the first thing that needs to happen. Sometimes they have missed an important word, as in a written test like (not) the correct answer and making things clear and repeating it can help difuse the problem very quickly. They are trying to show the instructor they are taking things seriously and we need to take them seriously and let them have their say first to make sure all is clear.
Hi Sharon,
When negativity is in the air. The air needs to be cleaned. Clean the air by holding a quick pow/wow with the class or select student after class time to find out what's going on in order to resolve things. Negativity is cancerous, and you do not need it in the classroom.
Patricia
Carlos has an excellent point, they have lost focus as to why they are there in the first place.
One way to redirect the entire class to a more positive attitude is to remind them of what the course objective is. Perhaps starting a constructive conversation about what they are learning that has helped them in their goals would be one way to diffuse the negativity in the air.
Keeping a friendly, yet professional environment seems to work. I think reinforcing the idea that you are open to their questions and feedback (through appropriate channels) and that you want them to succeed really helps.
Hi Tara,
When students understand the relevance of the rules, they tend to be a lot more cooperative.
Patricia
When you talk to students(explain) and allow them to realize the relevancy of the rules, they will take ownership
I agree. I always allow a lot of discussion about themselves, the course and the expectations on day 1 that way as we move on, it's professional, while at the same time the students know that I have taken a real interest in who they are from day 1.
I give my students many of my classroom policies in writing on the first day of class. I also go over every handout I give them: I explain each policy and give them some insight into why I have established that policy and how it benefits the class.
Hi Annie,
Absolutely! You must let your students know on Day 1 that you are strictly busines, yet friendly. Whenever students know that you are knowledgeable, professional, yet personable, more than half the battle is won.
Patricia
I find that starting off the first day of class with a friendly yet firm conversation, setting fair class rules (also in addendum), and addressing any and all student questions or concerns right off the bat can really help prevent a lot of student challenge.
Hi Jennifer,
Students need to know up front what the expectations are, and they also need to know that you are in full control.
Patricia
Any student that is quick to challenge has lost focus as to why they are there in the first place. If it is a matter of course material, they can show their source of information. If it is a matter of procedure or policy, we go right back to the syllabus and the standards that were discussed the first day. They also received a copy that they should havre read. I have them read & repeat the policy.
Challenges from any source can be a positive thing.
Threats and intimidations, among other negatives are the challenges that need to be dealt with as you speak of them....
Great advice. Setting clear expectations and control sets the entire class on the correct foot.
