Hi Doug!
You hit it on the "nailhead" - disruptive students are attention seekers. There are those students who are just angry with the world that will always be difficult to work with. Those too, will respond to the right situation.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Hi Amy!
A disruptive student cannot be ignored as most are looking for a way to get attention. It's usually about a lack of self-confidence. It's very important to reenforce the positive with this type of student when it is often VERY difficult to find the positive. I try to take a moment with that student at start of class or during break to build a positive relationship. I honestly like the challenge of working with disruptive students and watch them change their approach.
Of course, there are those that we must deal with in other ways as we can't allow them to interfer with learning.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I think that as the module 3 discusses, if I call on them and get them involved in the learning process, they will be much less disruptive. After all, they create a scene in the classroom because they want attention. If I get them involved, then they do not have to interfere with the other students learning. And if this doesn't work, then I have the option to discussing their behavior in private. Whatever the case, it is my responsibility to discuss their behavior in private.
I agree to a certain extent it is ok to ignore the student but when it starts to interfere with other students learning that is when the student needs to be dealt with.
We know one of the primary reasons students mis- behave is: they seek attention. so award students for good behavior and for acceptable behavor, in addition to keeping that one student busy with helping others in turn helping himself/herself. Teach the class the standard of behavior you expect and dont forget to encourage their positive response with a reward of a pin, or kind words.
Thanks for your input! I work in a program that has open enrollment for all, and is situated in an environment that tailors to high-risk students. You ask "what is it that I tolerate?" and I tell you that I have a very low tolerance to any bad behavior. I have dealt with students using profanity toward me, hitting walls instead of hitting me, disrespect, attendance issues, theft, cell phone usage, etc. I have additionally made a "student contract" that addresses these types of behavior, and spells out the consequences that the students are aware of ahead of time, in the event that they occur. I have taken control, somewhat like a military institution of their education, and that has really seemed to work. Although this sounds "rough," I have actually transformed many at-rick students that are now productive, working individuals!
Hi Terry!
What is the level of disruptions that you tolerate?
I find that disruptions are ofter due to low self-esteem or attention getting tactics for students. If we can find a way to reenforce the positive rather than the negative behavior, I believe it is more in everyone's best interest.
Of course, if someone is really threatening, they must leave the classroom but be escorted to student services.
Good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I feel disruptive students should be asked to leave the classroom. At first this gives them attention, of course, but also shows them, as well as the rest of the class, that their disruptions will not be tolerated. After leaving the classroom, they do not get the attention they wanted, so, hopefully these disruptions will decrease. Disruptive students should not be allowed to encroach on the learning of other students. If left in the classroom, you act as though this behavior is acceptible....
I agree that disruptive students crave attention, and sometimes their behaviour is an intent to hide the fact that they cannot cope with something(maybe inability to manage the course, low grades).
In small classes it is easy to spend time re-engaging these students by keeping them busy with assignments relevant to the course. As soon as the student realise they are making progress like the students he/she becomes your average student in class with the desire to learn. It is quite a challenge to get such students on board.
If I have a disruptive student, I at first ask that student to be respectful of the rest of the class. If the student continues, I give that student a warning, and if it still continues, i tell that student to leave the class. When the student comes back the next day, I speak to him/her and let the student know in no uncertain terms that that type of behavior will not be tolerated.If the student wants to be a part of the class-fine-if not, interrupting the learning environment of the other students will be dealt with by the DOE ot PD.With other students who want to learn, I do not have the time to play these games.
I try to not let them distract the class activities by keeping things fast paced.
I usually give my disruptive students more attention, not less, depending on what is motivating them to be disruptive.
For example, with students that like to toss out sarcastic comments I focus entirely on them and get the class to do so as well. Since these students like to be heard and not seen this usually silences them.
I know that technique usually worked on me when I was a student.
What works for me is not to get upset but to take them out of class away from the other students and have a talk with that person. If you get angry you lost. Disruptive students want to get teachers angry in most cases.
Make sure when dealing with a disruptive student that you don't show anger toward them or that they have upset you. Many students enjoy "pushing the teacher's buttons" to see what kind of response they get from you. Don't give them the reaction they are looking for and they will often stop the diruptive behavior. If they know you will react badly they will keep it up just see you squirm. Don't play into this trap.
Sometimes they become even more disruptive if you ignore them. I think you have to chose your battles. Sometimes ignoring them will work and other times it won't.
I agree with quite a few of the statements made.
You must deal with the person or the whole class suffers.You must as a common courtesy speak to him in private. The main thing is to let the class know what is expected of them on the first day.Give them examples. If you have a problem with something come to me and lets talk. If I can't help you then lets go up the ladder one step at a time.We will come to some conclusion.
My experience is that when you do not give the disruptive students attention it results in their continuing to be disruptive and perhaps increasing the level of disruption. It is better to address and divert the focus of their activity in a productive manner
Hi Darlene!
I feel like there is some underlying cause for a consistently disruptive student. Most disruptive students I have worked with don't have a sense of self-worth. We just have to find a way to reenforce the positive - even when they get "on our last nerve".
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I agree some type of warning should be given on what is acceptable behavior.
Hi Deborah!
I do understand your intent, however, embarrasing a student is a sure way to turn them off to learning AND to you. Perhaps there is another way that this type of student could be approached. But it also depends on how disruptive a student has become. They can't be allowed to infringe on other student's either. Maybe a conversation before or after class would be appropriate.
I do recommend focusing on the positive when there is the opportunity.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
