Thwe inattentive student seems to give me the most challenge. Their actions may be indicative of simple boredom, however it is usually interpreted as disrepect and indicates they already know the material. I usually have to tell myself they are not reacting to me personally. I then work hard to get them involved in their learning. I ask them questions and have them relate the material to their own experience. This helps get them involved and over the boredom.
Hello Dave,
We MUST be our students biggest cheerleader and keep them "pumped."
Patricia
When students lose confidence in themselves, that becomes a challenge as an instructor. Reminding them of their goals and using positive reinforcement has been successful for me. Encouraing the student that there is a light at the end of tunnel and they have what it takes to be successful and not to give up.
Hello Misty,
I personally find lazy, center stage, talkative, and know-it-all student to be most challenging. I am a firm instructor, and I have a firm, professional conversation with each student. The conversation normally gets the student on track. I always end the conversation on a positive note.
Patricia
What student traits/actions do you personally find most challenging? What do you do to help those students to be less of a challenge and become successful?
Student traits I find most challenging is any that do not take ownership in the choices that they make. To help in this area I plan the discussion prior and when we sit down I have a series of questions that will hopefully lead the student into thinking about their responses. I also insert truth/reality where necessary to keep them moving forward.
Hi Ernest,
Isn't that the truth--who knows it all? You really have to break these students down firmly, yet professionally so that they become humble.
Patricia
sudents that know everything are the most challenging. sometimes the best way to deal with them that i have found is to put theem on the spot & have them try to explain the proper operation of something, not to make fun of them but to show there are other ways odoing things
Hi Ricky,
As educators, we must reflect. It is amazing how much I have changed things for the better based on my reflections. If we can get the student to see the big picture, the student will win every time. Continue to reflect, it can make things better.
Patricia
Hi Audie,
Early classes can be very challenging. As the instructor you must enter the room at a very high energy level and also continue to do what you are doing.
Patricia
Keeping them awake in the morning session is a challeng all by itself. Ask them if they are getting enough sleep and to get them envolved by asking them question about the subject matter. I have found that to be the best way to try to keep them awake. Also i have found that walking around the room helps me the most.
Sometimes I do look back and reflect. Then I try to have a talk with that student and try to make him see the light. Try to make him see what is out there and re-establish his goals in life. Then reaproach the subject at a different angle. To see if he sees a subject in a different manner.
Hi Andrew,
You are absolutely correct! Each student does have their own learning style, therefore, it is important to be able to reach the different type of learners, such auditory, visual, and kinesthetic.
Patricia
I have found that each student has their own learning style. Having different methods of engaugement with the class helps to pull the class in and also helps with finding the one student that is having challenges in the class or with the subject.
Hi Peter,
I've encountered some of these students myself. I understand the challenges that come with these type students. As educators, we must work hard to try to bring them out of their shells. Keep trying!
Patricia
Hi C.C.
You do come across some stubborn students at times. I have seen where another student can get his or her peers to listen. We have to continue to try different things to determine what works best. Continue your pairing.
Patricia
Hi Steve,
We do have a few of those students who wish they were somewhere else. We as educators must get them to see the big picture.
Patricia
Wow, James I like that response. It is nothing like a student starving for attention, remember to treat he or she like the person you would like them to become.
Patricia
The students that I find most challenging are the very quiet ones.The ones that sit and observe,barely speak,even when asked a question.I'll try to speak to them one on one to see if there is something bugging them,or try to determine if thats just how they are.I try to explain that I cannot readtheir minds,and I am concerned as I want to see them succeed.Sometimes a little personal attention can go a long way in bringing these students out of their shells.
Students who will not listen to anything you have to say. They will not give you the chance to show or teach them. I try to pair these students with some of the stronger students in the class that way if they will not listen to me maybe they will listen to other students.
Most student traits that are the most challenging are the ones that wish they weren't at school and some where else. I try to see if they are haveing problems, and find out what there goals are. Once that is known it helps alot.
