Dealing with a vulgar student . . .
How do you deal with a vulgar student in a classroom, either online or in a traditional classroom?
In one of my online classes I had a very vulgar student. Asking the student to read the student code of conduct did not work. She came to class unhappy, after a fight with her boyfriend and she took it out on me and everyone else in the online class. In a matter of just a few moments, she threw the “F†bomb into our online seminar. I was mortified; I had never had a student treat me or her classmates in such a manner. If I asked her a question, she would retaliate; if I ignored her she would complain that I was ignoring her. I was in a no-win situation.
I was able to call my supervisor and ask her to join in on my session and help me corral the student, however, even the added attention from her made the student lash out.
This is valuable information for me. I have a student that is exactly like the one mentioned above and for a while I just didn't know what to do. When he had me for a later class I laid the ground rules down the 1st day of class about not tolerating obscene outbursts (it was directed generally, but mainly for his purposes). He kinda made a smurk and shook his head. Things were okay for the first 3 weeks or so before they started getting worse again, fast. This information, however, was very encouraging. Thank you for the input.
Hi Jim,
I like it! I totally agree! At my institution we do not tolerate vulgar language.
Patricia
In the academic setting vulgarity and extreme foul language should not be tolerated. Unfortunately it has become acceptable and has been at times protected under 1st Amendment 'Freedom of Expression'. 33 years in the steel mills and six years in the Marine Corps I have heard students who are not old enough to buy a beer use language I did not hear until after I left the Marines. I have always been around a Foul Mouth Farley and have become tolerant of "Not so nice" language. The extremly vulgar (X-Rated) language is thrown at young adults continually particularly in entertainment.
Many believe it is normal and their right to use X-Rated language if they wish.
People who do not agree with that type of language in academic setting should be free of X-Rated language. If a student continues extreme vulgarity, but is otherwise a good student (if allowed by school policy )has not improved their language be asked to take acouple of sessions or semesters to reassess their language. If they consider their gain for finishing school is worth cleaning their language, welcome back. If they stand on principle of talking in terms they wish, Good-bye and Good ridance.
I totally agree. Since I have been teaching,I have have set a NO TOLERANCE standard for inappropriate speech and behavior. I have a "no nonsense" reputation with the student population. The students know that I care and that I will help them with their studies in any way that I can because my goal is to help them succeed. However, vulgarity, inappropriateness, or any other unacceptable behavior is dealt with on the spot. I have never been afraid to stop class nip it in the bud and move on with the lesson. The other students actually have a great respect and appreciation for instructors who can handle situations in this manner.
Wow, it must be hard to remove an online student. But you would have to take action or it sets a bad precedent. What you permit, you promote!
Hi Jim,
Absolutely! Don't tolerate this type of behavior. This is definitely somethig that can be controlled by the student...these words do not have to be spoken. Make a sacrificial lamb out of someone.
Patricia
The foul language has become the norm but we should not have to put up with it. If Foul Mouth Frannie was normaly a good student doing otherwise good work and no other disciplinary problems, have her withdraw for couple of sessions and willing to clean her language. She would be welcomed back to finnish the program. If other problems in life were at the root, a short time to staighten them out may be the best for her.
If there are other problems besides the language, send her packing. Students trying to do good work will be discouraged by her disruption. If she finnishes school and goes into the workforce she will be giving your school a bad reputation and making harder on graduates in the near future.
I see this as a form of abuse and should not be tolerated. I think she should have been sent home to cool off for a day or so.
Hi Kimberly,
This student definitely should have been reprimanded by administration. As instructors we do not have to put up with this type of treatment from anyone, regardless of their situation.
Patricia
