Influencing Student Mood
I've noticed that one student with a bad attitude will definitely bring down student's around them. How can I stop this negativity from spreading in the class?
Mr. Campbell I agree with your thinking on how mood influence can effect every one in the class including us as instructors. I have been able to nip negative in the classroom by letting each student realize how important they are and what they will be contributing to others with what they are learning in the classroom. I let my students come to their own realization they are not just taking classes for the sake of taking classes but that they will be giving back with the knowledge they have obtained. I try to give my students a sense of purpose with all their hard work. This seems to change the individual and class mood. Being positive myself, I have my students choose a positive affirmation that relates to who they are and what they may want to accomplish. We as instructors have the privilege to be the role model; for our students to emulate into the world they choose to walk into. Let each one of your students come to realize they are important and they have a purpose in the world with what you are teaching them. I feel we instructors really set the mood. We are the leaders and our students follow us. Each one of our students have specific needs. We as instructors need to get to know our students so we can meet them where they are. Not where we are. This writing may seem like pie in the sky but I have had negative students who tried to get me in trouble. With communication, being open, honest and direct, and stating my goals and purposes for them; my students attitudes change and teaching and learning is fun with lots of questions. My student at times teach me. I have noticed that the student with the most negative attitude will come to change their attitude to learn and will audit my class a second and third times to learn more. I do not even have to tell my students what is expected. I lay the ground rules when I do my class orientation, which are school guidelines. Now my students know at the beginning what is expected and I have the school to back me up because it is their rules not mine. It is interesting and challenge with each class but it is worth it. I have also made new friends. Remember you do leave an impact on your students lives for the rest of their lives. We need to create an environment of positivity and self-worth so our students can become positive, productive and contributing individuals to our society.
I have experienced Pamela’s issue. Even though it is “student time†if they are on campus they still need to maintain a code of conduct and not be disruptive to the rest of the student body / classrooms. One of the tactics I used was at the beginning of the classroom I put the number $28,500 on the board. I had the students tell me what the number meant, and one of the students identified the number as the cost of their tuition for their degree. I pointed out to the students that they were in a program (CJ) that both expected and required a degree of conduct from them in the professional field. I assigned them an assessment paper on professionalism in the classroom, in the field of CJ, and in their personal lives. It did work (at least for several months) and know I am seeing that they are slipping backward, and it is time to recharge their batteries.
Pamela,
That is a good point and one that i am sure happens often. I think that we can as long as we feel we are not crossing a line. Their time is their time. We need to be careful no to impede on that too much.
Philip Campbell
I have a hard time maintaining student attitude outside the classroom and am sometimes unsure how much to intervene.
This is a bit blunt, but I say ignore them during the period of course instruction. Focus on the attentive and kind folks you have in the class. This was actually advice given to me by a student, and taking that advice turned out to be healthier for me and the class.
Of course, some follow-up with a troubled student is required. I often start by asking them to stay after class, and I usually just start by asking "How you doing?" Then, quite cautiously and while maintaining my professional composure (EQ), I investigate what is causing the negative behavior.
If this attempt does not go well, then hopefully your administration has systems in place to have other program administrators assist in re-coaching appropriate classroom behavior.
Lauren ,
The thing to keep in mind is that everything is contagious. If you can keep a positive atmosphere in the class then that will begin to spread. Keep going and doing great work.
Philip Campbell
