Hi,
I have couple of very challenging students, one that does talk a lot and is very loud and wants to be the center of attention. I kept checking on his work on a daily basis and now even though he is talkative he is competitive and is trying to be ahead in class since he observed that his work is being watched closely
I try and find something in common with the challenging students. I think that once they see that I genuinely interested in them they tend to be more involved with the class. I stand near them, make eye contact and smile.
I am currently dealing with a challenging student who expresses the "I don't care attitude." For this particular student, I have made many personal attempts to pull her up and hold her accountable. This student recently came back from a LOA and was displeased with having to repeat work that she has already done. I explained to the student the College policies for her return, and that the work would be required. The student was very upset and did not feel as though it was fair. I listened to the student and provided support to her. With working with this student and demonstrating a sense of caring and concern she has started improving in not only her academics, but her attitude as well.
The most challenging students are the students who bring their cell phone to class, miss classes regularly, and refuse to complete their work on time.
The Johnny-Know-It-Alls.... are my most challenging. They come to the school saying they are only here for the certificate, and already know everything. My way of dealing with them is dependent on their attitude. If they are a good student, but try to answer everyone's questions, or offer their opinions, I usually thank them, find something positive about their response. Then take it further to allow everyone to see that I know more, and am teaching the class for a reason. I may bring them in to a private conversation and ask them to refrain from such behavior unless I ask for it. Or I tell them I will gladly give them the opportunity to share.
The other end of that is the know it all's with the bad attitude. Them I try (in the most polite and professional manner) to let them know, that they do not know everything. It usually occurs in front of the class by chance, and I just politely correct them on everything they are wrong with. Sometimes it can skate a line of how much further should I go, but I have never let it go to the point of an escalated argument. If it looks like it may go that road, I politely tell them that they might have their ways of doing something. But according to my superiors what I teach is correct, and while they are in my classroom, if they wish to receive credit, they will do it my way.
It can be a myriad of types. I have just found that being flexible about the strategies in and around engaging such students is the winner. Each requires it's own unique strategy, from one on one discussions to giving them ownership or a class role. I believe in giving each student attention and connecting with them individually so they know that I can be approached to discuss their unique issues or perspective. Openness and vulnerability as an instructor is key.
I have found that yuo have to stay on these indivduals, but not so much to drive them off!! You have to keep it simple!!
My most challenging students are those students who are frequently absent or tardy, don't turn in assignments or try to turn them in late, and are not actively engaged in class. After talking to these students one-on-one and away from other classmates, most of them open up about where they are from and their past experiences. Ironically, a great portion of them have the same problem...no one ever believed in them or encouraged them so they expect to fail. By taking the time to talk to these students, find the root cause of their behavior, and give constant encouragement throughout the course, many of these students become engaged in the class and work hard to pass the class. The ultimate reward is to see these students walk across the stage at graduation with a huge smile on their face when finishing one of the biggest accomplishments of their lives!
It all goes back to setting the expectations for participation in the class. Most students that want to be the center of attention are good students they just need to be focused. Hands on or lab activities may be well suited for them. rely on them for helping others.
I agree , you must identify what strategies will work best for the student. My most challenged students are the Veterans. In my dealings with these students, i have found that showing the students genuine concern for their well being to be a very great ice breaker.
The most challenging students I have tend to be preoccupied with issues outside the classroom. I try to identify these students and, talk with them individually. If that does not work I will increase class participation in the lecture.
My most challenging students are thoses who feel they already know the content and find themselves not partisipating in the learing of the material. they interject comments and stories during lecture however do not grasp the main points.
Hi Tommy,
You have to draw students in to make them feel a part of the class. You certainly have to keep challening students challenged.
Patricia Scales
The challenging student is the one that does not seem to care and is not interested. I have gotten these students interested in the subject matter by calling on them to share their views and thoughts on the subject matter. Bringing them into the discussion opens them up and shows that I care they get the information. And relating it to real life situations.
My most challenging student has been the one who blames others. I've found that we can accommodate them only so far. Then we have to turn them over to themselves...meaning...let them suffer the consequences of their own actions. It doesn't take long to find if the student is lying, confabulating, or exaggerating the truth anymore.
Hi Mark,
I try to keep the center of attention student very busy. I enjoy giving them leadership roles.
Patricia Scales
I do believe in giving individual attention to those students that need more personalized interaction from their instructors but I don't believe we (instructors) should beat ourselves up or over-analyze why a student is not connecting. We show we care, talk with them, and try to develope a plan of action to help the student along but at some point we also have to remember the other students in the class and not take our focus away from them, too.
The center of attention students are a mixed blessing. I will employ the observer role and check it's effectiveness.
I had a challenging student before, who tried to have the whole class gang up against my assignments. She asked what would I do if they all refused to do my assignments. I told her, they would definitely make my job easier by my "0" grades. She was shocked and never attempted that trouble again. She became one of my top performers. It was a morning class full of young high school student freshmen.
I agree. If you have taught classes for some time, you'll also find that sharing stories of other students in addition to your own personal stories really bring life to the theoretical presentation.
