manageement of the adult classroom
Does anyone have the problem of defining adult?
I have issues with age and maturity. The student wants to be treated as an adult, although they act like a minor in behavor. Any suggestions on how to address this?
I have found out that once you walk with the student out of the classroom you will find out what is usually happening to them that has caused the discipline outburst. typically the problem is resolved. Greater understanding and respect is achieve always have a witness
Dale, in most cases taking the time to talk with the student and getting to better understand their needs is usually enough to figure out a good plan of action. Not always the case but covers the majority of situations I have encountered in over 20 years of teaching.
James Jackson
I have never had a classroom I found difficult to control. I've been pleasantly surprised at the seriousness and focus my students bring into the classroom, but on the rare occasion when a student moves outside acceptable behavior, the course advise to engage the student after class provides an opportunity to delve into the source of the student's behavior. Usually it involves a personal problem ongoing outside the classroom. When the student confides the problem, it's almost always resolvable. When the outside problem continues or the student declines help, it usually results in a drop.
I agree with this strategy/style. Teaching dental hygiene students gives me the opportunity to express to my students that how they act in class should mirror how they would conduct themselves in an office setting
Hi Debra,
I absolutely agree that age has nothing to do with maturity, and have found that the best way to deal with immature adults in the classroom setting is to continue coaching and developing them through passive feedback.
T. Waddell
Beverly, excellent job. The overall success of your students will depend on how well you establish the rules and set the stage for students to follow your rules. The more you can engage your students in participating in establishing the rules, the more easily you will find they will follow those rules.
James Jackson
On the first day of class I review the syllabus and explain my expectations for the course. Part of the course evaluation is "Professionalisn/Class Participation". I explain what behaviors are expected (tardy/missed classes/cell phone use/etc.). I feel that this then allows the students to accept (or not) the responsibility for their behavior and success regardless of their age or what was expected of them in previous schools.
Asya, root cause is a great topic and critical to a complete understanding of student motivations. Often times students will act out in the classroom but their frustration has little to do with classes or education. By getting to better know your students and getting them comfortable they can come to you with questions tends to translate into a much easier classroom to manage.
James Jackson
Shoran, well done. It is also critical to set expectations on the first day of class. Some instructors will even have a candid conversation about adult behavior and what it takes to be treated like an adult. Age is not a good indicator of maturity but actions speak volumes. You are as likely to have 35 year old adolescents in a classroom as you are to have 25 year old adults. Let them know they will be evaluated and treated according to their actions and not their chronological age.
James Jackson
My classroom is very diverse, with students who are actively engaged and those that need to be reminded to do their work. For the students that don't act like the adults that they are, I try using positive reinforcement when I noticed them doing something well or acting appropriately. If that doesn't work I don't hesitate to let their behavior effect their grade in the professionalism category. If all else fails I sit them down and have a private meeting with them and discuss their behavior, giving specific examples of what I do and do not appreciate in my classroom.
this is a common problem, some of the adult students can act very immaturely and i usually address the behaviour and say for example that i used to act like that in high school and now that we are in a nursing program for example such behaviour is unacceptable. also getting to know the student and finding out the root cause of the distraction or disruption also helps.
Asya Mubanga
Shoran, what are some of the techniques you use to require them to act like adults? Thanks for any techniques you can share to assist other readers.
James Jackson
Debra, my experiences have suggested engaging in conversation with my students. Even to the point of discussing adult and adolescent behavior. This does not in any way suggest talking down to your students. Part of adult learning involves self awareness and self motivation so you can begin there. Talk about the expectations of the class and how the expectations relate to adult behavior. Not meeting expectations by definition then demonstrates a lack of adult behavior. I can include volumes of information here so let me know any specific questions you would like to have addressed.
James Jackson
if the student acts like a minor then you require them to act like an adult no matter what.
