I try to pair them with a student or group of students that are assertive and self-motivated. Sometimes peer pressure can work better than anything.
Your are so right, Karen. Sometimes, this is the ONLY encouragement these folks have ever had or obtain from us as the instructors. Because what I have seen, is when someone in the family wants to better themselves, sometimes the spouse becomes very critical and threatened. So an abundance of encouragement - That is definitely the ticket!!!!
The students that don't take school seriously. They act like they are putting in their time only...so, I try to have more one on one time with these students to get them excited and redirect their focus to make them think this just may be something they want.
As a new Instructor, I am still learning how to deal with challenging students. One strategy I find effective is to include rules in the syllabus (e.g. regarding homework assignments, class etiquette, etc).
-Alyce
I have found that continued encouragement and letting them know that you are there to help them works.
The most unfocused students are usualy the younger ones. One of the strategies I use is moving around during lecture and position myself where they are seated.
Hello Jannie,
I just experienced that a few weeks ago. I quickly nipped things in the bud, and I told the older students things have changed, and I referenced the book. It was made clear that was they way it was to be done or else.
Patricia
If I do have a "sleeper" I will talk with them after class to see what is going on. Many have worked nights or been in a hospital with a sick child and still trying to go to class. So I want all my facts before I make a conlcusion and then see if we find a solution to the problem.
My most challenging students are those students who have lost confidence. I try really hard to encourage them to participate, even when their answers are exactly what I'm looking for, I transition their answers into the correct ones. This gives them confidence and the right answer. I try hard never to tell a student that they are wrong, instead I try to stear them to the right answer.
Most challenging are younger students. Helping them realize the improtance of lecture and paying attentioin can be a challenge.
my most challenging are the sleepers. i cant understand them spending thousands of dollars to sleep in a hard chair. i wake them have them stand up and have them chase copies that are needed in some cases.
Hi Chris,
Excitment is key. Excitement is definitely a trickle down effect.
Patricia
Hi Novella,
I feel as though this move will penalize those that sit up front. Don't make the whole class suffer because of a select few. Deal with the select few and make it known that you will no longer tolerate their disruptions.
Patricia
Hi Carrie,
The many excuses are not going to be acceptable in the workplace. Students have to accept responsibility. I like how you put the students in control of their education. I especially like the idea of the free pass.
Patricia
Students that have spent a small amount of time in the field. They have developed a "know it all" attitude and are quick to tell you how they do it. They usually get humbled when it comes test time and they are working on their own in the shop. Is is a different world when they have to think for themselves.
I have found the most challenging students are those from other countries. The language barrier is very difficult at times. I keep a Thesaurus handy. Also, as I go through lecture, there are words in our language not inherent to other countries - for example "popsicles" after a tonsillectomy. I have to be sure and KNOW that all my students understand. Just by being aremed with this information I can follow through with explanations so there is no embarrassment for anyone.
Hi Abigail,
As the educator, you need to talk to this student privately to try to build a rapport.
Patricia
The most challenging students for me have been the mature students who are changing careers. They seem to acknowledge that they have knowledge of the current operation of the working environment in spite of the documented changes written in the textbook. This often times cause some distraction for the "new" or "younger" students.
Jan
Hi Patricia,
My most challenging students are those that never respond, offer commits or answer questions. I can’t tell if they are just quite or not enjoying the class. I try to pull things out and get them to smile as much as I can. But, you never really know where you stand with a student that never talks.
Hi Santiago,
Most of our students tend to lose focus whenever various outside situations arise in their life. We have to lend a listening ear. If you can not provide help, assist the student in finding appropriate help.
Patricia
