Student w/Negative Attitude
I'm a first-time instructor and I have a student in my class who doesn't always come to class and when he does, he has a poor attitude and makes negative comments. What are some effective techniques to use in this situation? I want to motivate him and make sure he doesn't bring anyone else in the class down with him.
I agree that a lot of times the student just needs some sort of positive support. Sometimes they have no family/friends to encourage them, thats when you need to step in and support them, be their positive role model. A little faith from someone (you) can go a long way. The student will try harder because someone believes in them.
I know that being supportive of the students is one important part of being a instructor, but at the same time, in my opinion, you must always be aware of the rest of the students, that, in one way or other, need your personalized attention too. So your concern with particular one should be limited and eventually referred to the administration.
Hi Patricia,
Good plan for working with such situations. These students can't be allowed to interrupt the learning of other students with their attitudes. By helping those that want help and encouraging those that have poor attitudes you will be helping both groups while moving the class forward.
Gary
i try to ignore them because i see it is a cry for attention..but upper managment is made aware of the attitude and behavior...
I have student who has a negative attitude, and what I have done I have called the students when they did not come to class. I would begin the conversation with, "I missed you in class today, is everything ok with you?". In my case, the phone call made the student know that I care about his or her educational goals. I do not get pulled into their personal problems, and if there is a personal issues as to why they missed, school I refer them to the resource that can help. Some of my students, like middle school or high school students, want someone to give them a little attention. They are adults, but some still have those needs for attention at their age.
Hi Stacy,
Thank you for sharing this story with us. Your individual approach and appealing to her sense of loyalty to her friends was exactly what she needed to get back into the learning process.
Gary
I currently have a student who's negative attitude can bring down the entire class quickly. Recently' I sat down with her and explained how this was effecting her classmates and friends. She was not going to care to much if I gave her the attention that she desires so taking the approach that she was hurting her friends worked well
If the student does not always come to class, that is the first issue to address. Since he does come with a poor attitude, there is something more personal going on in his life and it is not you. So, do not take it personal. Talking to him, one on one is the first step in addressing this matter. I would ask if everything is okay, with regards to the class. How can I, as your instructor, assist you in getting back on track with success in this course? This also shows that you care about him and would like to assist him. Address his negative comments and let him know that it is not acceptable in the class and you would appreciate it if he refrains from it. Ask him if he is struggling with the course content and/or the need for the negative/poor attitude. It is important that you protect the learning environment and other student's attitude not being affected by his negative comments.
Sometimes the students have personal problems and are preoccupied. They often just need a little bit of warmth from the instructor,someone they might admire if they were in a good mind set. I've lately noticed that some students are on anti-depressants. That would be a question to ask because you would understand why the student is lethargic,upset or emotional.
Hi Lyana,
Thank you for sharing this story with us. It goes to show that the human factor can have a big influence on the success of our students. Keep up your caring and I wish you much teaching success.
Gary
I have had this happen several times in the years that I've been teaching and I have done with Dr. Meers recommends. I have found that taking a personal interest in the student makes a big difference with most of them. Ironically, alot of those kids are really smart but for whatever reason they are not happy in school. I've had this girl in at least 4 of my classes including a class now, and she failed the first 2 classes and the third class she just barely passed. I spoke to her in each of these classes and challenged her to come to class regularly and do her work - I knew she was smart and could do it. I don't know what finally worked but she has attended every class except 2 so far this quarter and she has an A. She thanked me for not giving up on her.
Janelle- I also have a student much like yours. The other students in the class are fed up and wanting this student to drop the course because it is affecting their ability to learn and concentrate as well. Each classtime I start by talking about my passion for the course/ profession to try to motivate this student and not necessarily "calling them out" specifically.
Hi Janelle,
First have a private talk with him and see if he will explain why he acts like he does and has the attitude he does. Sometimes students like this are looking for someone to pay attention to them. Explain to him what your expectations are and ask for his help in achieving the course goals.
If that doesn't work explain that attendance is required and if he doesn't attend a certain amount of classes he will fail. Also talk to him about his attitude and let him know that you will not tolerate such an attitude. If he continues remove him from the class. You cannot let him impact the learning of the other students in a negative way. They paid for a quality education and they should receive such. I hate to remove a student from my classes but I have and will if that student is effecting the learning of others.
Gary
