My most challenging students are those with a low self esteem, younger or older. On day one I tell them my background which includes military, police, and a north east coast childhood. I tell them I am passionate about what I do and I am very serious about giving them the quality training they came here for. I make sure to smile a lot and laugh so that there is a balance in my personality, but for the most part I am direct and professional.
Hi Robert,
I concur! I let my students know on Day 1 showing up is just half the battle. The other half is that they need to put forth great effort in order to get great results.
Patricia
I have found that it is not just the fresh out of high school student that is the most challenging. I have many students in their 20's and 30's with the same mentallity. They don't paarticipate, they are inattentive as well as disruptive. It is difficult to understand understand why they would they would carry on in such a manner when they have made a decision to attend a school at their own exspense and not try to apply themselves to learning the material to which is being taught. I feel that they believe that just cause they "show up" they are just suppost to be rewarded. I have made note on my introduction on the first day that they have have spent alot of money to sit in that chair, it's up to them how they use that chair.
I am trying to involve such students in demos and complimenting when they do well to try and include them in the class.
Most challenging students for me, are the ones that have been out-of school for a long time. They are eager to learn, but have less understanding of fundamentals such as anatomy, mathematics, and critical thinking skills. Information that they once knew, has been overshadowed by decades of career-based labor. Although these students may have less learning aptitude, they are usually very focused and driven. They strive to overcome the barriers and become proficient in subject matter. Focus is very important for an adult learner.
Hi Mitchell,
As educators, our reputations preceed us. Students are very judgemental and will develop opinions about you based on what others have said. We know who we are, therefore we cannot worry about this, but we can control these students and not let them take over the classroom. You have to be firm with this type of student. I have also seen the flip side where this type of student really grew to love and respect the instructor.
Patricia
It seeems that the most challenging students are the ones who have formed a preconceived notion and opinion of the instructor based on rumour, inuendo, and hearsay form other students who have passed along their opinions. It is very difficult to get through to these that you are not the enemy, but in fact the ally.
My most challenging students are those whom have considerable computer knowledge therefore find what I lecture to be old information. These students are of any age group dependent on their backgrounds in computers.
To support their educational goals, and re-engage them, I allow them to work at their own pace through course materials, but "AMP" up their learning objectives. After my "lecture" to the class, I sit with these students and introduce more complex subjects for them to learn.
This, in combination with the certification they usually take at the end of the semester, gives them goals that keep them motivated.
Hi David,
What a great strategy to get the unfocused student focused.
Patricia
Hi Roger,
We must treat our students like adults. Yelling does not work well in this industry. Listen/talk to get positive results.
Patricia
The younger upper level Information Technology students are usually the most unfocused. They tend to think that they know all that they need; and they are only in class to fulfill requirments to pass. I usually combat this with a hands on lab where the students have a short amount of time to complete a task. The students that are unfocused usually have to ask several times what is going on and then other students will do the corrective commenting for me. Not wanting to feel left out of a group the unattentive students will usually start to show inprovement and stay on top of things.
David that's a wonderful question and puts the responsibility directly on the student.
The lack of discipline of my students tries my patience sometimes but I have to remember they have not had the delightful attention of a drill sergeant yelling in your face.
I was an army reserve instructor for 12 years and I thought I was prepared for teaching college classes. The presentation and class organization are easy. Learning to deal with students who have very little discipline, motivation or personal initiative is tough. I did not expect students to bring their personal problems into the class or use them as an excuse for not completing an assignment.
I sometimes laugh to myself when I remember the professors I had who used to lock the door when the class began. If you weren't in your seat at the scheduled hour, you missed class and were docked points.
I don't think that's an effective tool because it means a student doesn't benefit from the class material or the discussion.
Instead I like to give quizzes at the beginning of class. Because I don't give makeup quizzes, studnets try to be on time. I also give quick reviews prior to an exam and if you are late you have to take the test without the benefit of the quick review.
I think using these 2 tools motivates the students to get to class on time.
The students I find to be the most difficult are the ones who have emotional development problems and do not take responsibility for themselves.
For me they seem to almost be alien because I always had to do things for myself. There wasn't anyone helping me to enroll in college or deciding which classes to take. Advisors existed but were always too busy to help. I read the catalogue and followed those requirements.
I give my students memos listing their assignments. They sign a copy and keep a copy. I also write the assignments with due dates on the board every class. I offer extra study/help sessions too.
Ultimately though, the onus is on the student.
Cheryl those are good ideas. I try to move some students around so that they don't get comfortable and I sometimes form small groups to work on specific projects.
I sometimes find it difficult to relate to the student who skips class, fails to complete assignments and doesn't exert much effort in class. In my undergrad days I would never have behaved like that. Cutting class and not completing the work was something I would never have thought of. After all why was I in school and spending my money if I didn't want to be there.
I have been challenged by students that sit next to each other and talk, students slumping in their chairs and act disinterested, students disagreeing with me and negative comments.
I agree with the author and have found moving to stand right next to the student is a good way for them to get the message and make them nervous and quit the behavior. I also just quit talking and look at the disruptors until it is obvious to all that we are listening. Changing the seating has worked. I break class into groups quite often - I get bored with being lectured at, so try to use interaction more than lecture.
Hi William,
Put it out there plainly on Day 1 so that students are not in for any surprises later.
Patricia
i agree, if you tell the students what your expectations are the student will rise to the your standards from the first day in class
Hi Ronald,
What a creative way to make this type student feel a part.
Patricia
My most challenging students are the ones who have some knowledge about my course topic already. What I have done to remedy this is to have a private discussion with the student and challenge the student to find the information in my presentation that they didn't know or information that I didn't make clear enough. This will usually engage them if they feel they are gauging or testing my knowledge. It also brings up interesting questions that help to expand my knowledge about the things I don't know. I may know quite a bit about my career/craft, and be the vessel of that knowledge, but I do not know all there is to know.
Hi Melissa,
Minute papers work nicely. Try them. They will tell you a lot, and they force students to pay attention.
Patricia
