Teaching students with bad attitudes
Sometimes we have students who are used to a previous teacher's style, however when they change to another instructor, they become distant and closed to the new instructor. The students refuse to cooperate with the teacher becasue he or she isn't teaching the course the same as the last teacher. How do you avoid this from happening from day 1?
I agree Helen.
I was told in an inservice that STUDENTS DO NOT CARE HOW MUCH YOU KNOW UNTIL THEY KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE.
And YES there are limits and traps on caring as has been discussed is other posts.
Older students have more family obligations than whatever generation we are in now. At times, sick or disabled parents can be a mental and physical burden and distraction for those students. In those times, I will ask the student if they mind that we as a class pray for their situation. If yes, I tell the class that they do NOT have to pray with us but to PLEASE RESPECT our right to pray...and then I lead a SHORT, 1 minute or less prayer.
Amber,
I love stories like this because the reinforce the value of the human factor in teaching. Your reaching out to her resulted in a positive experience for everyone. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
This is so true! I had an extremely difficult student, who I scheduled some one-on-one time with to discuss what was going on in her life that was causing the bad attitude. In doing this, she really opened up to me, and with a balance of taking time to care, along with positive reinforcement, but also letting her know I won't put up with the attitude, she has become one of my star students.
I agree with Jessica completely. It wouldn't be fair to the rest of the entire class for one student to get more attention because of his or her attitude. Other students may also interpret your extra friendliness with this one student to mean that he or she is on of your "favorites".
Paying attention to personal conflicts is a very important aspect of engaging difficult students. It shows that the teacher is reaching out and concerned with the student rather than just managing a classroom.
I have found that when students have a bad attitude its most likely due to their personal life. I find it most important to get to the key issue of their emotional status. If you as an instructor notice something is wrong with them they tend to open up because your taking the time to care. I have had this happen many times. These students tend to excel because of the encouragement you gave them from day one. Its very rewarding.
I disagree. This may ease the tension between yourself and a student, but this does not solve the underlying problem. As the instructor, you must decide the best method of delivery for the entire class, and the preferences of one student should not mandate how the others must learn.
It is important for any individual to be able to acclimate to different styles of instruction, just as it is important to be able to acclimate to different work environments and co-workers. I instead address these students directly when they challenge my methods and explain the reasoning behind my instructional style. I let them know that I am willing to work with them in office hours if they need extra help and that my ultimate goal is for them to learn the material. Once they realize this, they are often more willing to trust me enough to give my style a chance.
It's a true fact. If you notice this, you need to be more patience and nice to this specific student. In one word, try to be his friend first, listen to him by heart.
