Disruptive Student Group Participant
Help! I have a student who is in a group project. However, she can be pretty disruptive... She is not interested in participating in the group and as a result at times becomes disruptive in terms of her behavior. Any suggestions?
Ahhh, allow me to be specific. She will be in a group of 4 and while in computer lab will play around in her Facebook as oppose to working with the team to do the research necessary. It seems, I have to constantly, stand around their area in order for her to stay on task. The other group members are getting fed up?
She is a College student I might add.
I agree. Make them the group leader, and they usually turn around their attitude, at least from my experience
Tony,
I agree that a 1-1 conversation is the best choice. And you're right that often there are circumstances outside of the classroom that are contributing to this behavior & again, not an excuse but it can help us understand the why & work with that.
Dr. Ryan Meers
When students become disruptive, a one -on-one conversation is imperative as soon you see the consistency of the disruption. Various cicumstances outside of the class room enviorment can be a contributing factor. That's not to imply that there is an "excuse" for the behaviour, but there is a consequence for continueing to be disruptive.
Thank you for your input
I've taken care of the matter
Raquel,
This is a great strategy & definitely a great way of getting those disruptive students on your side.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I've learned through experience, if you get the disruptive student more engaged in the lectures and or group activity, most of the disruptive students will calm down and can become good leaders. I will find other ways of keeping them busy. I will have them mentor to new students and they take on the role model role and are much more careful of their behavior.
I agree that she needs to be spoken with on a one on one basis, and let her know that this is not what the groups are set up for, this is not social time. I also think that I would attempt to have such web sites blocked while in class or in the group. May be a reassessment of the groups may be needed and find a group that may be able to hold her attention and use her abilities to benefit the group.
Unfortunately there is no easy answer to this one. I would suggest a "crucial conversation" where you describe the behavior your observing & ask her about the perceived impact on her group.
If she still does not seem willing to change her behavior, I would suggest a frank conversation about her grade & let her know that this will adversely impact her grade.
If she still does not seem to care...can you actually remove her from class?
Obviously this is extreme. I try to help students but if they are intent on killing their grade, that's their decision. But if they are hurting other students that's when you may need to take other actions.
Hope that helps.
Ryan
I would personally talk to the student about her behavior and let her know it is unacceptable. If that didn't work i would then let her explain to the dean or DON why she feels the need to disrupt the class. I would also remove her from that group to see if another group dynamic would better suit her personality.
