Dealing with Unfocused Students
most challenging are fresh out of highschool. i apply most strategies you have mentioned.
Yes, it was a great challenge but not anymore, your mindful ideas helped me.
Thanks
thanks patricia,would you believe this student didn't show up for class today.
Hi Carolyn,
Great! Always let students know that unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated.
Patricia
hi patricia i did put this student in her place.i told her this was not acceptable and time would be deducted and if she was that hungry to eat before class or bring it with her .i give several breaks during a 5 hr class and that should be enough.
Hi Carolyn,
Wow, this student needs to be put in her place immediately. This is totally disrespectful to you and the students alike.
Patricia
One of my most challenging student is a repeater.this student constantly getting up during lecture to go out in the hall.One day she got up walked out came back 20 mins later with chicken and started to eat it.I have suspected that this student also cheats on her quizzes.So on the next quiz she will get a different one.
Once I had two or three students who were talking to each other. I stopped talking, walked over to them and said since what I am saying is not important then let us all hear what you are talking about. I then remain silent for about ten seconds. No one spoke, so then I continued. That took care of it for the rest of the semester.
My most challenging students the ones who are on their phone texting, the ones not paying attention/talking in class, and the ones who skip class. This concerned me as the modules are only getting harder and harder. I wanted them to work forward, not backwards as the modules go by.
After 2 mods with the same class, I made their quizzes/tests a bit harder and longer, and their review sheet would be questions as well - and I find it quite effective. I am noticing more questions from students and participation in class.
Hi Patricia,
Similar to other posts, I have two general categories. The first is the "know-it-all." In these cases, I try to engage them by calling on them for their opinions on certain topics. I will usually ask them to work with other students.
On the other hand, I have the "need this course for graduation" students. In these cases, I have to justify the importance of the class. For instance, I teach a business ethics course. Each term, I have students start the class by saying it is a waste of time because everything is relative. I then try an in-class case study and ask these students to be in the CEO role. By forcing them to make hard choices, they begin to appreciate the need for studying applied business ethics.
Best wishes,
Rick
Talkative group.
I found a group of student at the back talking with each others.
second day I gave them group work and time limit to finish.It worked.
The most challenging students are those who have some experience, they will decide whats revenant in the course. For these students I remind them that I clear understanding of the basics is needed to master the task at hand.
Hi Amy,
I hear you loud and clear! I concur, this is very frustrating, and the student feel as though we are entitled to get them on task. I normally arrange outside class time to get the student caught up.
Patricia
My most challenging students are those who do not attend class and then assume it is my responsibility to "catch them up." It is very annoying and immature. College level students should take the iniative to get the work from a classmate if at all possible.
Hi Michael,
I do everything I can to keep these students involved. I also like to have real good eye contact with unfocused students to let them know that my eyes are on them.
Patricia
The students that I have found to be the most challenging are students that are just out of high school. In high school, students are forced to be there. Therefore, they do the bare minimum just to graduate. Many of these students bring this same attitude with them to college. There are two different types of students. One who wants an education and the other type just wants that piece of paper that comes at the end.
One strategy that I have found to be effective is calling on them to answer questions. When we are working on labs I make sure he/she is involved in the project. Also when working in groups I switch the members of the groups around.
Hi Amie,
We have to try our very best to reel in unfocused students. Give unfocused students a leadership role or at least some responsibility.
Patricia
The most challenging students are the ones that are unfocused. It is important for the instructor to demonstrate the relevance for learning. If a student knows that this information is critical to their future employment or success, they will tend to focus on the course content more.
Some of my unfocused students tend to be some one who has come to school with some experience in the field, I teach foundations one and Food safety. The students feels they have been though this. So be talking about the chemical compostion and referenceing Mc Donalds keeps the entire class and reels in the experienced learner. And by showing real world examples keeps everyone involved.
Hi Margaret,
It is okay to let your personality come through. I think my students feel I have a very friendly and approachable personality, but I can get very firm and stern when there is a need.
Patricia
