Difficult students in class
As an instructor when dealing with difficult students in my class I acknowledge them however I tend not to respond in anger. After the class is over i will take the student aside and speak to him or her.
I second that. I do this as well. I've learned, over the years, that if you call out a student in class it only makes the situation worse.
I think it depends on the student. Has the person created problems before in class? Is the student creating problems out of boredom, to impress others, to let you know that he/she doesn't like you?
If I'm surprised by a student behaving badly, I'll try to deal with it privately, find out what is going on. However, if the problems occurred before, I might pause and give them a stare. I might take it even further and call them out in front of everyone. Most students see the badly behaved student is only embarrassing themselves. They appreciate the classroom control.
Matthew,
I think this is a great approach; obviously if the disruptions escalate it would have to be addressed, but if it's minor sometimes you're better off just ignoring.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I like to try and not seem interested in the disruption they may be causing because they are probabaly looking for the attention. But i still try and include them in conversation so they still feel like what they have to say is important.(and it may be important)
Julie ,
wow, this is definitely a challenging situation. I'm glad you've stuck with it & continue to push forward.
Dr. Ryan Meers
The worst situation with difficult students came when 2 students (in a couple relationship) got other students to "gang up" on me in a group confrontation- which was way out of proportion for their complaint- and extremely upsetting to myself and many of the other students not in the one group. I needed to leave the room to gather myself and then spoke with each of the "confronters" individually. That threw me for a loop, I had never had that sort of thing.
That is my approach as well. But at times it may be necessary to pause and look at the student in silence and allow others to look too I have found that this approach works as well, ususally the student become very self aware or embarrass a bit and stop doing whatever they were doing.
Martha,
I think you're right that for many of these students when we point out the impact their behavior is having on the perceptions of other students they will oftne tone it down.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I can usually deal with a difficult student by talking with them during a break or after class. Occassionally, if a student continues to disrupt class. I found that telling the disruptive student before the beginning of the next class that classmates complained about the disruptions, the student will usually stop disrupting the class. Sometimes, creating a game and calling on the student will encourage the student to pay attention so they can perform well in front of others.
Paul,
I too like to pull the student aside & address the issue privately. This demonstrates our insistence on proper behavior, our concern for the student & our respect for them as well.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I completely agree. I do the same with my students.
I usually pull the student aside after class to determine if there is some underlying problem at home or elswhere to determine why the behavior is being presented in class. Often times it allows the student to see that we are concerned and can possibly redirect the outbursts to a constructive form.
Georgia,
I think that quiet pulling aside is the best response. If we show our frustration or anger, often that is the reaction the student is trying to get.
Dr. Ryan Meers
