The "Debbie Downer"
What would be a good approach for the "Debbie Downer"(The student who dwells on negativity)? This kills the classroom motivation and sometimes the "Debbie Downer" isn't doing anything wrong where you would be aloud to ask them to leave your class.
Nancy,
I like them as well because it takes the minds of the students to a certain place as a result of the quote. By sharing a quote at the beginning of the class or as they leave you have given them food for thought and personal motivation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I love the idea of quotes. That can perk up the whole class! And it could help that one person you didn't count on it helping.
Marcellina,
Once you have exhausted all of your efforts to help and support this student it may be time for her to step out of school. She did enroll in college and is paying tuition to be there. She selected her career area and should be willing to work to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to enter her field. If as a college student is is playing the victim then she probably will play the victim in the workplace. She needs to wake up and realize her future is in her hands and get on board with her effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have one student who seems to have taken on that she is the victim of "life". She has excuses for everything. She is always the last person to get in action/moving with activities and falls asleep in class. I spend quite a bit of energy and time trying to get or keep her focused. I am trying ways to have her get the she can be and is responsible. Any suggestions?
Tanya,
Like your strategy. Quotes are valuable in setting the tone for the upcoming class plus they just make you feel good.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to put up quotes on the board every day. Sometimes I pick ones specifically that I think the class needs to think about. If you have a Debbie downer or the mood has been low. Put up motivational quotes or ones about cheerfulness, and good attitude-ex. "Be a fountain, not a drain."
Dicran,
Glad this situation worked out well for you and the student. We at different times encounter students like this and they can be a challenge if we don't take control of the situation right from the beginning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I've had a challenge beginning of one of my classes where one of the students came across as 'know it all', and that it was waste of time to be in the class, this was a downer for a few, but it took one class assignment for that person to realize that he was wrong, and didn't know it all...
Katherine,
Start with a private talk with that person and explain the situation to him or her. Ask for his or her cooperation in moving the class along. If that does not work I would as the learning leader take control of the situation and let the student know he or she can ask only (some number of questions, like three) so many questions in each class. Let the student know that once those questions are asked they are to remain silent so others can contribute to the class. Let the student know if these rules are not followed then that person is at risk of being removed from the class. Let your administration know about what you are doing so they will back you if you in fact have to remove the student. This is a tough situation but you have to remain the leader if you are to have any chance of success with the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
What would be a possible soultion for someone in the class that is the "leader"(of the cohort), who is constantly taking away from the learning of others by asking questions over and over and challenging the teacher on everyhting(in front of class)?
Kyle,
Is it possible to get "Debbie" involved in any kind of class leadership role. For example leading a discussion group where she gets to experience some success and recognition from her peers. I would talk with her individually as well to try and get a fix on what is causing her attitude and see if you can be of any encouragement. Generally the individual attention will get students like her to become more positive. A person like this may also have a clinical issue that cannot be fixed in your class. This is when you do a referral to the Student Services Office.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
