Need tips on countering negativity amongst students
The class I teach (Culinary Arts- Restaurant) is the final class taken at the school prior to the students graduation. Occasionally, the "honeymoon" is past and the realities of school/life are taking their toll. What are some tips to keep the few "groaners" from creating a climate of negativity for the others, and some thoughts on re-igniting enthusiasm in the groaner?
I try to take those opportunities to teach them about professionalism. Nothing is perfect and getting them to talk about the problems they are facing and how to professionally approach them, I have found, is the best way to help students air their issues. It makes them feel comfortable and teach them all at the same time.
Thank you for these suggestions. I started teaching a night class of adults. A handful of these students interrupted/erupted in a free-for-all criticism of the school, what was promised, etc. and it was hard to get back on track. How do you move the conversation off of the negativity so you can get back to teaching. Many of the students had heard the complaints before and were weary of them. Sometimes those students will reel in the disrupters, but it didn't happen this time.
Hi Kathryn,
Good strategy. Let me know how it works out with this individual.
Gary
I have another chance next quarter to nip a student before the negativity begins. I plan to take this student aside at the first class meeting and expain that while we have had some rocky classes together, this one can be different. I respect the experience that he has had in this subject, and I expect him to speak up every time his experience plays in to the class conversation. I also expect him to be a class leader. I'll see if the theory about keeping friends close & "enemies" closer works on this student!
Thanks,
KK
Hi Geraldine,
Thank you for the kind words and the example of how your efforts worked out in reaching this student. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Hello Everyone,
I have seen Dr. Meers suggestion work with one of my students. I feel that the student just wanted some attention and after I talked to her about her behavior she understood.
Thanks,
Geraldine
I think this is a great idea! A student turning the classroom into their own public forum of individual complaints is disrupting the classroom as well as infringing on the time of all other students.
I think this is a great idea! A student turning the classroom into their own public forum of individual complaints is disrupting the classroom as well as infringing on the time of all other students.
Asking them to write the complaint lets them know their concerns are taken seriously and you will respond at an appropriate time.
Hi Sarah,
Often times the behavior of the student is like middle school students so I will ask them to stay a few minutes after class and talk with me. I don't have a problem with this at all because I want to help them and I don't want them to upset the flow of my class. Also, the personal attention really helps them to a part of the class and that I am listening to them concerning what ever issue they have.
Gary
I especially like your idea to have the complainer write it down. I find that most "problem" students bolt out of class for breaks and at the end of class which leaves me with the choice of doing nothing or to talk to them in front of others. I feel that asking them to stay a few minutes is too much like middle school but I don't know how else to get time to talk to them not in front of others.
Hi Gina,
One thing I do is to talk with the groaner and see what the specific issue(s) really is. I ask that they contain their complaining while in class and to put down in writing what they are groaning about. Often this stops them because they won't write down the issue because it is too much work or when it is written down it seems silly. Another approach is to ask them to contribute to the class in some way. Do a demo or share some information about a topic. This attention often helps solve the problem. For the really bad ones I in a one on one session explain that since they are wrapping up their training with this class that they are going to be in need of a recommendation and that they will be needing me to provide it. How can I provide the recommendation if all I can write about or tell the perspective employer is the the student is not focused or complains a lot. I ask them to help me understand them so I will know how to describe their abilities and work ethic. This one is really effective because they forget that they do "need" my recommendation. Any questions on this please let me know.
Gary
