Suggestions for difficult students?
I recently started teaching at a local college and it's been great. But I have one or two students who consistently argue with one another. I've been able to steer the class back on course, but it happens once a week and takes up valuable class time for others. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to prevent this from happening?
Thats just like the work place. It would be best for them if they can learn to recgonize and manage it themselves while in the classroom. I am sure its just a personality conflict.
Shirley - you are so right!!! There are students who like to hijack classes. They get a lot of power by controlling these situations. I believe this is similar to bullying behavior in that - these types of people will continue to behave badly until they are stopped. I have rarely seen private conversations be effective with people who behave this way ALL the time. What does work is calling them out in class - be mindful of their intentions. If it is not their turn to speak or if they refuse to stay on topic or are being aggressive in class then tell them to leave. The entire class needs to see that you will maintain control. The students who argue - will lose because they will no longer be the center of the classes attention. Stick to your guns.
Most of the time a student just wants to be noticed. Alot of these difficult students want somebody to notice and to care. If it is a personality disorder then they need to go see somebody that deals with personality disorders.
In addition to meeting with the students individually and emphasizing professionalism in teh workplace, it would be good for the 2 of them to learn to accept each other and their differences. Depending on the type of disagreement, they could both learn to get along with each other and others in their work future who might have the same personality. They do have to sit down and behave in class, but if thereis a way to make it a life lesson, that would be better.
Make reference to what is expected from them from their employer. Show that this type of behavior would be unacceptable from an employer, as it is in your classroom.
Hi Paul,
Have a firm private conversation with the two separately to let them know that if this type of behavior does not stop, you will have them removed from the class. Let them know the importance of getting along in the workplace. An employer will not tolerate this type of behavior. You may need to get your DOE involved.
Patricia
