Disturbing Classroom?
What best approach to take for students that always disturb class?
Carrie,
Good comments about how to handle student management. The key is finding an instructional approach that helps students to see the value of the content being offered and are willing to exercise the self management needed to be successful.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
What I have encountered with this type of situation is the student may take it as a challenge no matter how politely you ask if they have comments to share. I have found that it's best to try and talk to the student alone, before or after class begins, so they don't feel singled out, attacked and embarassed in front of their peers. In turn, you could be making the situation worse instead of nipping it in the bud. A lot of times, showing that we as educators understand the stuggles that they face as students, gains us a level of respect that would prevent them from disrupting class. Really, it comes down to if they don't respect us, then they won't behave accordingly. Commanding respect from day one is necessary. Instead of taking a firm, strict stand, a lot of times the students respond better to someone who is laid back in attitude and easy to approach. At least, that has been my experience.
Yes, I know you are right. Thank you for the validation.
Barbara
Barbara,
This type of behavior is unacceptable as you mention. The instructor has to take control of the situation and make sure there are consequences when students start making fun of the instructor. If they do not change behavior then they should be removed from the class. Being dis-respective of instructors indicates problems that will carry over into the work place and cause them problems there as well.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have tried asking for comments to be shared, as Annette suggested, but it seems that for many students, their goal is to make fun of the instructor. This sort of thing is very disturbing to me--I try not to let it bother me, but I just can't understand why adults would be so inclined. I just don't understand their motivation for such behavior.
Annette,
Good advice for managing student behavior. This way the instructor still maintains control of the class without letting one student dominate.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
One approach would to politely ask the student do they have any comments they would like to share with the class? If not, move on and try to get the student involve, because it is obvious the student wants attention. By doing so the student may have answers that he/she can contribute to the overall discussion.
Thank you Dr. Meers, I really appreciate the feedback.
MAMADOU,
Start with a one on one talk with the individual and outline what you will and won't accept in terms of behavior in the classroom. Ask for his/her cooperation. Set a time frame for behavior change. Let the student know that he/she will be dismissed from the classroom if the behavior doesn't improve. Be confident and consistent in your management of the class. Call the student down if a disruption occurs. Let your administration know what you are doing and get their backing. If change doesn't occur then remove the student. No student has the right to disrupt the learning of others so it must be contained. Once that student is removed the rest of the class will settled into a routine and learning progress will be made.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
