Setting the Example
I know, this is not the right thing to do in regards to challenging student behaviors; But this is often what is said when "setting an example" is done totally wrong or inappropriately. If you are really really good (and experienced), it can be done both artfully and appropriately and oftentimes, similar difficult behaviors will not be experienced again. However, it is a risk 99% of people should probably not take if they want to avoid doing it wrong. For example, a student wise cracks at something you say. Clearly, this shows disrespect towards you and it undermines you in front of the class. It might be a test- especially for new instructors. What would you do?
Hard to know without having the reason for the wise crack--so, ask what concerns the student that they are speaking that way: 1) Do they need further explanation of what I just said; 2) Do they need more information on the topic being discussed; 3) Do they need to be reminded that "this is my classroom, and I set the parameters for work and behavior in a fair way?"
Lastly, "at this school, we are preparing you for the workplace--remember that you need to think of your self as though you were already employed in this field--would you speak to your supervisor in that manner?"
I am a firm believer in teaching by example and I have a life philosophy that I am known for: "two wrongs don't make a right". I have had students test me by making wise cracks and even be so upset they have used profanity and I simply handle the situation by stating for the wise crack, if we were friends in a different setting that would be a high five,however, we are in class and as your manager it is inappropriate and in the workforce would most likely get you written up. Let's use this as a learning tool and grow from this. The profanity is handled by me letting the student know I know that they must be going through a tough time and I know that he/she did not really mean to use name calling and ]ask if I can help in anyway.
It is a challenge at times to keep my cool, but it has been very effective and the student usually is very apologetic and it gets the class started on a discussion of how this behavior would affect you in the work place. I turn a negative into a positive and use it as a learning tool.
