Professionalism is something we are constantly driving home. From the way a student carries themself to the way they speak to and about one another. I also use the "round table" approach with my class. We do "Teambuilding Tuesdays" and I usually assign a lab activity that makes them challenge each other. Quite often, I learn a lot about what is going on, why "challenging students" are challenging and so on, by simply bringing myself to the table and voicing myself with them.
As said earlier I have been teaching for a long time, I cannot remember a student that I gave up on. What I have found to be the most effective tools is to let them know that you truly care about each student and take the time to listen to them, There are so many teaching techniques and strategies that you can use but the bottom line is once this student understands you really care about him/her and that he/she is important and that the elements that you are teaching will help them in life
I was a challenging student myself so I have somewhat of an insight on how to handle them. I have a student that is just like me in the sense that they want to test the instructor and see if they really do know what they teach. With this student I have satisfied the fact that in the Technology Industry it is impossible to know every aspect of the field, however what I don't know I can learn from and he should do the same.
We have a diverse group of students in our classes, we are now switching it up to help students who can be challenging."A" students will most of the time be "A" students but the "D" and "F" students are now our focus to be able to bring them up to at least a "C" or better by spending time with them on skills enhancement and more attention during class lecture to ensure understanding.
Hi Darrell,
Our students really have a lot going on, but we have to teach our students that in the real world you are not held any less accountable for having a family and children.
Patricia Scales
The most challenging students are thoughs who have families and children, a good way to keep up these student is to engage them and listen to the student
I am adding this idea to my "tool kit." I really like it a lot.
I believe honest open door policies are essential for all students, I don't want to be their buddy but I want them to know that they are important and and it doesn't have to be about the classroom. I may not have all the answers but maybe somehow we can work to get the problem resolved by seeking someone who does/might have that answer.
The most challenging students are the bright students that think they are the ones with the answer to all questions and situations. A lot of those students when presented with the "observer" roll or are put on the spot to shine realize they aren't so above normal without reprimand. They sometimes need some extra attention but can really be a good way to look into yourself and teaching methods.
I also agree, this allows them to be part of the class and it makes the class to be fun instead of challenging.
My most challenging students are the out spoken students. I always have the one who wants to challenge everything and everyone to make it look like they know everything. I tend to let them look everything up so they can see if it is real or if they just think they know everything.
I think the most challenging students for me are high school graduates. The transition is so hard for them being a high school to college student. Motivation is the most effective way in dealing with this kind of situation. I usually encourage them to finish their chosen career as early as possible while they're still young which is a good advantage for them. Once they finish their school early and young they will get the job they wanted.
I agree Daniel,
I find talking with those challenging students you obtain information that sometimes can be a challenge and of concern, but you really do see what the challenges are with that student. It does show them that you are human and care about them. I try to find ways to help solve their pericular problems.
Hi Jeremy,
If you ever see a sign of frustration on this type of student's face or any student's face confront the student. For some students they feel it is easier to quit than to ask a question.
Patricia Scales
I agree. I also like to give students the opportunity to makes suggestions that will help make the class more interactive for everyone.
My most challenging student is still a work in progress and the way I choose to deal with this person is to not allow them to see how distracting they are to me. However, once I see it taking a toll on their classmates, I quickly acknowledge the behavior in front of the whole class and stress professional behavior. I have had a few personal discussions with this person and the person's response to me was, " I know you think I'm stupid." I stressed to this person that I think she is one of the brighter students I know but she wastes that potential away with her lack of soft skills in the classroom setting with me. I told her how it would be handled in my current and previous work environments and she seems to listen but the behavior continues on a minimal basis. So it is true, you cannot change the behavior but you can control it somewhat.
I had a challenge with a student who was over communicative. The student would interrupt me, other students and speak up and often. The first week of school, I had a private conversation with the student and told him I appreciated his participation and excitement, but he needed to give his classmates the opportunity to engage. The student and I worked on this throughout the term, and after a short period of time, he minimized the amount of talking he was doing in class and maximized the quality of his contributions.
Whenever there is a challenging student in class, a one-on one, private discussion is key.
My most challenging students are those who come to class everyday, never disturb class, but are quick to just quit rather than seek help or ask questions. They seem to feel inferior if they can not understand the information as well as others on the very first attempt. These students are often capable, but require a little more attention.
It's true for me too and each class is different. It amazes me from year to year. It requires a lot of flexibility.
Challenging students are immediately evident. How to help them is the issue. Do they lack the basic skills needed? External problems? Lack of confidence or social skills?
Possible ways to help:
1.) Make it clear right away: "Ask questions. That is why you are here. If you need help, ask. Do not wait!". Be available and listen.
2.) Work shoulder-to-shoulder with a student having a hard time. It lets them know you are there to help and can inspire them.
3.) Have them work alongside a good student to gain a new perspective.
4.) Discuss the scope of what it takes to achieve a goal. This is how much work it takes and this is an algorithm for achieving the goal.
5.) For the bored/overachieving student, give a special challenge to inspire them.
6.) For the chatty student, make them a part of a group project. This also provides peer support for struggling students.
