Students Who Refuse to Participate
I have a new student who at time will refuse to participate. This student will even go so far as to say "I don't think this is helpful," or "I'm not going to do this." I am a new instructor to this student and have sensed this student is "testing" me. They way I have responded has been to take a deep breath and restate with understanding what student states, i.e., "I understand you don't feel this exercise is helpful but..." and I'll give the reason why it is helpful. When the student has flat out refused to participate I've said, "I understand you don't want to participate because, X, Y, Z, and I can't force you to participate but this is the reason why I believe you should participate" and then give my reasoning. #1 Is this typical of some students? #2 Is there a different way to handle this situation?
Alisa,
I have been subject to the same types of students. I commend you for your stand and professionalism. You are training professionals and the students need to conduct themselves as such. Keep holding your standards high and enjoy working with those students that really care about their field and helping others.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Yes, I have a few students like this. They fill they just need study guide with answers and that's it. They want a come late and leave early. I started locking doors after I a certain time. They dont like it. They would rather go to corporate office and complain but I can not or will not pass students in my field just cause they pay for school. They could kill someone if I did that. But I have students who wants to learn and get the work I done like they should . Their grades show them working hard.
Billie Jo,
Thank you for sharing this example of student management. It ended well because you did not let her take control of the class and she was able to come back to the class and be successful. I love stories like this.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have encountered this as well. I was asked a question and pointed her in the direction to find the answer she became loud and disrespectful. She told me it was my job to teach her and began to raise her voice disrupting the class. I quietly asked her to lower her voice and when she didn't I asked her to please leave the classroom. I felt she was testing me however once we had a conference with the Director she appologized for her behavior. She was coached on acceptable behavior in the classroom and how to handle certain situations without making a scene.
I deal with many shy students, so my challenge is to somehow draw them out of their shells. To do this I try different techniques to engage them. I learn their names and use them often. I engage them on a personal level to make them more comfortable. I spend lots of one on one demo time with them. I use these things to build their trust in me and show them that my classroom is a safe environment.
Hi Desiree,
I actually had a student that was just like yours. I believe that there will always be that student that just doesn't want to participate but I always encourage them that in our field, it is truly a team effort and teaching pharmacy technicians there is this strange desire and quiet passion that we all have to want to help a patient because ultimately that is our job. I gently remind the individual that you have to understand that they are playing a role to save a life and usually I (not intentionally) remind them to relate with the situation at hand and literally just tell them that everyone is important and this is serious. Usually that works for me like a charm, but there will always be a unwilling and they will only be driven by their heart. Hope my opinion helps!
Don Vo
Anita,
Good information and this has been my experience as well. I strive to try and create a connection with such a student and often times this is enough to get them engaged in the class once again. If it isn't I always make sure they know I am there to support them should they want to be successful in the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have experienced this from students in the past. When there is a moment, I speak to that student individually to try to get a perspective of what it is that is causing the student to act out in this way.
I have found that most often this has to do with things outside of the classroom. Some of them are intimidated by the material, or have other stresses happening. Usually after speaking to the student, they tend to at least be respectful, even if they don't agree with the neccessity of the lesson.
Melody,
Your last sentence is a very good one since it does place success on the students themselves. We can provide support and encouragement but they have to supply the effort so they need to explore how they can make the best of the learning opportunities you are providing them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree, I too have had such students. I explain how their participation can help them. I try to assign them with people or a group that they are comfortable with. Some students have a fear everyone else being smarter than themselves, they don't want to embarass themselves. But, in the end i let them know participation points don't just come from showing up in class, and sitting in your seat. The final decision is theirs to make.
Desiree,
I have had such students over the years but fortunately they are not common. In this situation you need to remember that you are the learning leader and that for you to give a grade to a student he or she has to earn it. With the attitude being displayed and the refusal to do certain activities the student should be in jeopardy of losing points. If the student is disruptive I would talk with the student individually and outline the behavior you expect. During this time inform your administration to make sure they will back you as you work through this problem. If the student continues to be disruptive I would remove the student from the class because no student has the right to disrupt the learning of others. This person is an adult and should act as such. I would not spend a lot of time justifying why you are asking him or her to complete a project since it is a part of the class requirements and refusal should eliminate him or her from the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
