A non-stop talking student
I've had a few students over my teaching career who won't stop talking. They can ramble on for upwards of 30 minutes or more, monopolizing my 1-on-1 time and class monitoring. It's exceptionally rude, but I can't seem to find a way to assertively break the "conversation" without appearing equally rude. In many cases, I don't even think the student is even aware of how long they've been rambling (and ironically, it's usually on-topic). Furthermore, once a student has done that to me, I tend to avoid them in future classes, for fear of it happening again. What is a good way to break away? What is a good way to stay engaged with the student's progress without getting caught in the rambling again?
One way to stop the non-stop student or the arguing student is to tell them to write down their questions/arguments and e-mail them to you...it may take a while to answer the e-mail which you need to do, but I found it difuses the situation.
A great solution that I will implement
David,
A very challenging situation to say the least. A couple of things come to my mind:
1) check with the instructor from the previous 6 week session & see if they had any success or a similar experience with this student. I'm a big believer in "borrowing brains"
2) It may come to a private conversation with this student. These have to be handled carefully, but pulling her aside & letting her know that you appreciate her enthusiasm & participation. Then let her know that part of the learning for everyone is that all get to participate as well as you have the opportunity to cover the material. Not sure if this would help, but it may come to this.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I am only in the second day of a six week long class. My students have been together for one previous six week long class, and I can already sense there is one student they can't stand. She asks so many questions, and gives so many very personal injections into her questions. Her classmates will roll their eyes, or glance at each other, and then to me. It is obvious that they are looking to see how I intend to"handle" her. I seek advice how to not discourage the inquisitive student, yet still control the class pace, and, perhaps most importantly, exhibit to the rest of the students that I am in control of their learning environment, not the individual student.
Christy,
This is a great strategy & one that allows you to redirect the student without embarrassing him.
Ryan
I always try to engage the other students in the student conversation - I stop the student who is speaking by saying "John, you've made some good points" and then asking the class if they have any thoughts on what "John" has said. It gives the student some positive feedback, stops the rambling and allows other students a chance for input.
I had a student like this once. He had a reputation for monopolizing class time with long drawn-out questions. It was my first experience with a student of this type, and unfortunately I allowed him to to take advantage. But I learned from it, and would handle it differently today. I might say something like, "Thanks for sharing that." And then answer the first part. Then I might mention that part of sharing is sharing the time at hand.
I think that it is important to listen to the student and to let them know that their opinion is important but also explain to the student that you have more information that needs to be addressed.
How do you stop a student from rambling when they don't stop to breathe??
I don't want to be rude but at least we weren't in the classroom when this was going on. But when I saw this topic I thought I just had to see what the answer is.
You try redirect their focus but they just keep right on going.
Any solutions?
I will try to encourage discussion, but let students know that all students need time to discuss and participate equally. Often times students ramle from one subject to another, so redirection back to topic and the lecture at hand is needed. I can let student know that this can be discussed later or after class. If the student is interested, then suggest further reading. After class is usually lunch, and the student needs to break before the next class and only has half an hour. I will suggest that I will let them get to lunch so they can get back and not be late for their next class.
I think is is important to let that student know how important there message is, them try to convince the student that his impact would be more beneficial if he allowed others to participate since there is a limited amount of time, remembering to do this outside of class.
You can nicely address them after class or encourage the class to keep their questions and answer to a limit if there is anything additional they would like to share can meet with you after class in order not to take up too much time of lecture. But I understand it is difficult to address the student especially when they are not aware and really into the subject. Makes you feel as though you will hurt their feelings. But you have to keep in mind its also taking away from other students education so you have to address it one way or the other.
