One Problem Student...
What have you found to be the perfect way to handle an outspoken student who comes across like he knows better than you and is constantly interupting your teaching with comments?
Cynthia,
I would start with a private talk with this student and get input from her about how to handle her interaction in the class. If the diagnosis was done while the student was in secondary school she will have information about what worked for her via the IEP that was created for her. The strategies listed in the IEP will work in a college setting as well so you don't have to try and discover what will work with her. Also, your Student Services office should have some information that will be of help to you. Try to find out what some of the specifics are of her OCD and then see if they can be accommodated in your class. For example, she needs to sit in a certain seat or lay out her notebook in a certain way. If she has behaviors that are distracting or preclude her success in the class there may need to be a Student Assistance Team put together to discuss an alternate placement for her. ADA provides students with disabilities with "reasonable accommodations" in educational settings but these accommodations cannot disrupt the learning of others or reduce the level of competence required for success in the course or her field.
This is a difficult situation but with ongoing communication with all those involved you will be able to work through it to the advantage of the student or find a placement that will work for her. It is hard to cover all of the strategies in a forum like this but I would be glad to talk with you further if that would be of help to you.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This week I had a student with OCD interrupt class. The situation slipped out of control & escalated emotionally with the student raising her voice before I even knew what happened. I am a trained facilitator, in my previous corporate life, & was truly shocked at how quickly the student snapped. Any input on how to move forward with this student would be greatly appreciated.
Dean,
First I have a private talk with that student and outline what my concern is in terms of his performance in class. Then I ask for his cooperation in letting me get through the material before asking me a question. If that does not work I then limit him to a certain number of questions each class session. If that does not work I then will remove him from the class because I will not let him disrupt the learning of others. I keep my administration informed each step of the way so they know what to expect if he gets removed from class. I will say that I have only had to remove one student over the years because generally by the time I get to step three the student has realized that I am the learning leader and I will not tolerate disruptions that are affecting other students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
