Effective Approach to a Challenging Learner?
Recently I experienced multiple Challenging student on my class. Constantly absent, late, and argumentive in a class. Negative mind-set. How would you approach this type of Learner?
We have 30 students in each class,so I know how little time you have for each individual.I ask to speak to each non-participant in private.Usually they will not divulge their reasons for not participating. I encourage them to participate,reminding them that they are not taking advantage of this learning environment that they are paying for,and also remind them that I am there to assist them with whatever help they need.
I've had my share of challenging students. The comments regarding "know it all's" are common. I've discovered that most of my quiet students either comprehend and utilize the material quickly, or have a language barrier, or are not interested in the subject. I reach out to most if I sense which of the 3 issues exist. Some will approach me and discretely explain on their own.
I've had non-participatory students who do well on tested outcomes for the class. I don't sweat the participation of students who demonstrate that they comprehend the material and meet assignment deadlines, are present for scheduled quizzes, etc. The response to the same behavior from students who struggle with measures in the the class (exercises and quizzes) is different than for students who have found a way to learn without participating fully. I try to keep my inquiry cloaked in friendly interest not like an instructor checking in so that it does not look like I don't trust them to manage themselves as I trust the other group to manage themselves.
I too believe that reaching out to challenging students is generally the best way to get their cooperation. Their education is really for them and I remind them of that fact.
It doesn't always work but I try to get the student to think like an employee. We talk about the problems. I ask them what they want to do with their schooling. When I find out what kind of job or career they want then I address the issues they bring into the class.
Would they want to work with an employee who is constantly late or how would they deal with an employee who is constantly late if they were the manager. I say that these are some of the things they might want to think about.
Because I teach Verbal Communications, I briefly set them up with questions like if you could not fire a slacker how would you motivate them to succeed. What are some steps you might be able to take before you write them off.
I find this method very effective. I teach up to 120 students in 3 classes every 3 weeks (we have 3 week mini terms in at a culinary school - I teach academics) so getting to know students is quite challenging. However, I have found, even in this condensed teaching environment, that I can reach out to those who do not participate and let them know I genuinely care about their well-being and future success. I have been surprised that they are so surprised - and moved!- by my concern.
Hi,
for the academic argumentive in class, we need totally understand what we are teaching and carefully prepare for the class.When the troubl maker appears, giving a concise and right answer, then a period. We need to take of the whole class's stydy.
Hi Richard!
Sometimes we just can't make the connection with students that we would like to. But I find that most students come around.
Something mentioned in another discussion was that students often bring to college left over stuff from high school - or just life in general -that continues to make them uncomfortable in a learning environment.
I try to have a little extra sensitivity to those students - trying to draw them out. Not only am I an instructor, but a social worker at heart.
Don't get discouraged and keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Argumentative I can deal with. I've had know-it-alls and those who want to be contrary to everything we're supposed to be covering. All that I can handle. The two I've had problems with just refuse to participate. They sit in the back (I can relate to that), never contribute, never say a word and, when absolutely necessary, give one or two word answers. I required the class to pair up, interview each other, then introduce each other to the class. The partners of these two didn't have much luck. I agree that doing some social work can help, but when you've got 18 students to worry about, there is only so much time you can put into each individual.
Hi Patricia!
I hope that you are willing to self-disclose as well. I find that students connect in amazing ways when they "feel like" that they are on equal footing under given circumstances with the instructor.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
Ed107 Facilitator
It always helps to understand your student's story....yes, a little social work! Once understnading the issues surronding that student's behavior, whether he/ she is going through a divorce, or just lost a job, or death in the family, then it we are more able to approach them in a manner that is less offensive and hopefully disarming.
When I deal with an challenging learner, I try to figure out where the disrutpion is really comming from. Once I understand what the issue really is, then I dismantle the issue.
