Dealing with uninterested, unmotivated students
Every class, especially large classes, have a number of students who are "taking up space." They clearly don't want to be in school, do the bare mininum, are disruptive in class and serve to bring interested students down to their level. What is the best way to deal with them without resorting to running a college class like an 8th grade class?
David,
There are many factors that could be influencing their attitude and lack of involvement in the course. The key is observing this and then developing a plan for trying to support them in a way that will give them success in the course if they are willing to put forth the needed effort. Sounds like you are doing a good job of that with your approach.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that many students that appear unmotivated are that way because they do not respond well to convential methods of assessment. many students that dont test well on paper can answer the same questions fine when asked to give the answer in their own words verbally.I tend to wonder if some of these students have learning disabillties that have been overlooked for most of their previous education?
ANTHONY,
You have developed a well managed plan for handling students and keeping them engaged even those that may not want to pay attention are paying attention so keep up the good work because I know you are getting your message across.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One of the first things I did during student orientation was to tell my students that cell phones are not allowed in the classroom or shop area. I explained to them that I understand we all have responsibilities and family issues, and that this is night school and they have been working all day. They are asked to put their cell phones on vibrate and if they have a call come in to please leave the room while discussing personal business. As I walk up and down the isles during class discussion if I see a phone on a desk I will pick it up off the desk and bring it up to my desk and return it after class. If the student objects I remind him of the discussion we had during orientation. If he still objects I ask him to leave the room and talk to the director of education and tell him why their cell phone is more important than my class discussion. Students who seem to be unmotivated I am consistently asking them question on the topics that we are discussing. I find that in the beginning they were telling me that they didn't know the answer but because they know that I will pick on them in class they seem to pay more attention to what I am saying to that I consistently don't ask them questions
Anthony Centamore
Laura,
Interesting that you mention chewing gum in relation to learning. A recent study by New York University found that gum chewers score better in their courses. The theory behind this is that their gum chewing helps them to concentrate with fewer distractions on what is being said and studied.
In all my years in education I am still amazed at how little we know about the learning processes that our brains go through. The brain is so complex for a three pound 80 percent water mass of cells.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
"Uninterested", "unmotivated" are often big clues to their learning style. Like it or not "gum therapy" does work. Allowing students to chew gum (not blow bubbles or chew like a cow) creates a type of secondary movement which in turns aloows more focus on the task at hand.
Ciara,
You make a good point about the refresher course on their future goals. This can reconnect them when they start to wear down during these course. It is easy for them to start to drift away because they forget their reason for being in class in the first place and a reminder or refresher gets them ramped back up and thinking about the future they are creating for themselves.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Especially in larger classes, it's easy to loose the students who have a short attention span, if you will. But I would try to build rapport with that student and try to get them back on track on why they are not only in that class but in college as a whole. Some people need a refresher and reassurance on what their future goals are.
Wow, Thao, has something there! I never thought about deducting points when their phones go off. That's a good way to keep them focused!
Susan,
Thank you for sharing this use of technology with us. I appreciate your comments about students having your cell number. I think like you it is a good idea to use a school cell phone if you are going to use the text method for polling.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have asked students to use their phones to text responses to me. There is an app that you can use to take polls during class. The app did not work well for me since not all of my students had a smart phone.
Asking them to text me was helpful for awhile. It seemed to give them a text "fix."
The problem is that students will then have access to your cell number. This might be a problem if you do not have a school-issued cell number.
I also use a point system with my students. They are all aware of this at the start of the class.
Byron,
It is an ongoing challenge for sure. You did the right thing by challenging them and then moving on. If they can they will take over the class with their negative attitudes and try to derail the class. Focus on those students that want to be there and help them achieve their career goals as they are the reason you are there.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I recently had a class with a few of this students. They seemed not to care about the subject matter, but i challenged them anyway. They began to take some interest. The hardest part was not having them disrupt the rest of the class.
I agree with Justin. I have had good success with this approach. The student often feels you care
and will try harder if he or she sees interaction
with them is helping to improve their results.
Justin,
This is a good way to engage such a student in conversation and hopefully help him or her to see the value of what is being taught. These informal interactions can have an influence on such students because they understand your concern for their success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have found my best technique for dealing with uninterested students is to approach while they are doing work, and ask about it. Obviously this only works in a lab setting, but it works, show you are interested in their work, and that will gain interest in your class.
Thao,
Yes they do because they can see the points they are losing or earning and it sends a very clear message to them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Tonetia,
This is a good strategy to follow because the more you know the more accurately you can provide them with support. This can make the difference between staying in school or they dropping out as you have already experienced.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
