Dealing with students who walk out of class when lecture begins.
Do we chase after student to find problem? Do we quiz students seated near him/her? Was sickness or restroom call involved? Medical problem? Does student exit on regular basis?
Whenever a student walks out of class I would continue to lecture but during the break if the student is still around I would inquire if a problem has developed for them. If the student is ill or a family emergency occurs I make sure the student would get any information needed on the lecture but for students that just leave it is their responsiblility to obtain the information from their classmates. For students that leave before the break,consistantly, I record their attendance as half the class time therefore it adds up. The responsibility falls on the student themselves. Communication is again openned, possible supportive help might be appropriate, the student has an opportunity to verbalize any problems and the instructor can again show they care about each student. It is interesting how fellow classmates might be supportive or out andout hostile to that leaving classmate.
I have a student who has been walking out of class all semester. Early on I tried to engage her and let her know I am available before or after class if there is an issue, although I never interrupt my lecture. I realize now it is a sign of disrespect and actually has nothing to do with me. I would appreciate some strategies in dealing with these type of students.
Hi Brenna,
You shouldn't take up class time repeating what has been missed by a student due to leaving class. I do let the student know that he or she can get with me during office hours, and I will get them caught up, but I give them the speil on the importance of staying in class during lecture time. The speil normally works.
Patricia
I typically adress the issue during the next break to let them know that I noticed and that it was not an appropriate action. I also refuse to take up class time repeatin information that they missed. Instead I instruct them to ask their class mates during break.
In my experience, instructors generally know whether a student walked out of the classroom as a show of disrespect or whether a student has another unexpected issue such as a medical problem.
At my college, we can write an "Early Warning" for a student who is being disrespectful. I also include this in my syllabus. Students know and understand the consequences for unacceptable conduct; such behavior may require that they meet with the Dean and/or Department Chair before being allowed to re-enter the classroom.
Hi Ashton,
When students walk out of the class for whatever reason we do have to continue to teach as long as it is not an emergency. Every student is important, and I like how you follow up with the student upon their return when the opportunity presents itself.
Patricia
Kelly I think that "environment rules" are fantastic. I do appreciate this and will use this in my class as well if that is ok with you. I have not had to many problems with my students on this issue however it is nice to be prepared if or when something drastic happens. Most of my students already tell me if they are planning on leaving during the course and if some one has left I continue on teaching. Then when I do get a break I try to address that student if they are still there and ask if they are alright if they are not I will then ask them when I see them next to make sure they know I think they are important as well.
Hi Marie-Christine,
Students need to be held accountable and when they walk out during lecture time, they miss vital information, obviously. I like how you have an activity to show students that walking out during lecture time will cause their grade to suffer because they do not know what to do for the activity.
Patricia
Hi Kathy,
This is a good way to encourage punctuality. I also like to give a real easy quiz the first five minutes of class to help encourage punctuality.
Patricia
I did have this problem nd was caught very off guard. Now to prevent this kind of disorder in the classroom I state "environment rules" I ask that the first five minutes of class be flexible for questions, restroom breaks and checking cell phones. I ask that if they are not feeling well or that they have a personal issue that they privately inform me before class so that I may expect that they may leave. I also ask that if an emergency arises they try and establish eye contact with me before leaving the room. This has helped and telling them that I acknowledge that what they do outside of my classroom is important too, I have earned their cooperation reguarding this issue!
I don't have this particular issue, but lateness used to be a problem. So, in the first 5 minutes of class, I always "give" an answer to a question on the next test. Now, everyone shows up on time, especially because those that don't find that no one is willing to share the answer.
We first have to find out how often is this happening? I personally continue lecturing and have an activity after the break that usually concentrates on my lecture at the beginning of the class. This is to ensure wanderers and late comers will stop their habit. When the student sees how much work was missed and now they have to ask a fellow classmate what they missed.
