Challenging Student
This was a great module. I have a student who is consistently drawing or doodling on his paper or anything he can get his hands on. He also talks out of turn and tells stories rather than ask questions or give constructive comments. I love the observer role!
Hi Martha,
Use leader instead of observer. Let the student know you want to check out their leadership abililites. A good characteristic of a leader is to observe effectively.
Patricia
Yes, I found the suggestion about assigning the role of "observer" to a challenging/center stage student interesting. I have not come across this approach and it sounds helpful. My question is "how do I assign the role to the student with out sounding too elementary? How can it be said to the student that we want him/her to be the observer? I would like to use this approach and would like some insight on how to word it correclty.
Ann
I agree that giving the title as an observer would be very helpful when trying to manage this individuals. I feel that students who are constantly challenging is either bored or wants attention.
Hi Walter,
I like it! It sounds like you put these students in check immediately!
Patricia
I talk to them after class and explain my expectations and why the bahavior they have is not acceptable. This seems to help if it is related to the world of work.
Tonya Dyer
I agree 100%, I let them know up front that they are part of a class not the class.
Hi Michelle,
No doubt, challenging students are a handful. I let these students know up front that I will not tolerate their foolishness.
Patricia
I have seen them break the students into groups and then the student retreats even further and does no work. Or they will act like they are doing individual work at an area close by, but in actuality are listening to the conversations and taking the answers that the others chose instead of their own, so putting not effort into the assignment or the group.
Hi Michelle,
What have others done so that I can better assist you?
Patricia
I have seen other teachers do this in other classes and have seen it backfire. The student still does not know what they are doing and is using the others to cover it up. What would you suggest in this situation?
Hi Carmella,
How do you go about dealing with challenging students?
Patricia
Challenging students are seeking help. They may not understand or be lost. To cover their inabilities they either retreat or begin disrupting. Breaking students up into groups is an excellent idea. In smaller groups the student is less intimidated and will ask questions. Peer to peer teaching has helped many of my students catch up.
I have to agree with you and I believe that may make him/her feel valued as well.
