The most challenging students I have encountered so far are the unprepared. I have listened to their concerns and request to be treated as responsible adults. The unprepared students don't want to be as children. In class, when they are not prepared for my class/lecture I remind them of what they told me. I always explain to them there is a responsibility and accountability that goes along with the being a adult. To make sure they understand their request of the teacher.
Hi Natasha,
Great methods to utilize in order to keep everyone involved. I like how you pair your students.
Patricia
Hi Patricia,
Having a policy pertaining to cell phones will have less disruptions. I can imagine how the environment would be if my institution did not have a policy in place for cell phones.
Patricia
Hi John,
I concur! Students really need to understand for every choice there is a consequence.
Patricia
Hi Ashley,
Students are very observant. They know those students with issues that need to be dealt with by the instructor. Students want effective classroom management from the instructor.
Patricia
When I am faced with a challenging student, I try and resolve any potential issues right away. If for some reason the issues persist, I bring in help from the administration. I have also found that many issues that I notice, are noticed by other students as well and they tend to comment on them before I even have a chance to. Sometimes, thats all it takes to be resolved.
My most challenging students seem to be those who like to monopolize the class discussion or have a general comment for every topic we cover. I usually handle this type of student with humor. Without being disrespectful to the student, getting a laugh during class will generally move the conversation along. If this does not work, I will politely say, "This time I would like to hear from another student for the answer." Then I promptly call on someone else. As far as cell phones are concerned; this school has a school-wide policy about cell phones in the classroom. Due to this policy cell phone interruptions during class are minimal.
I also practice these strategies, but in some cases there needs to be some enforcement of penalty in order to maintain class control and hold respect as being in authority of your class.
Some students only recognize this in order to curtail repeated offenses.
Hi Lora,
You handled the situation very tactfully and professionally just as I would have. You were quick to think about saving your career. Administration should have reprimanded this student for her inappropriate actions toward you.
Patricia
Hi Reika,
Our students really have a lot to juggle. I have had students who work night jobs to come to school so tired that they can hardly function. I encourage them to keep their eyes on the prize.
Patricia
I have an excellent rapport with my students however I had a situation where one of the students told another student that I was talking about her behind her back (which is not true and very unprofessional). The student got in my face and wanted to physically fight me. I difused her temper by staying calm and telling her that I am not going to jeopardize my career for her and simply walked out of the room. Our relationship was very akward after that. How would you suggest to handle the situation?
Most students have night jobs and a few of them fall asleep. Sometimes I might ask them a few questions about why they are tired and then remind them of what they are trying to achieve. This shows them I am interested and want to help them succeed.
My most challenging students have been the ones that are seem disengaged from the class (ie. head down on the table during lecture.)
First I discussed the issue with the student in private.
Then I added more question answer sessions during lecture, and had each student read off review questions to keep them all involved. I have also paired outgoing/well-studied students with the more quiet/shy students in the lab sessions. I have found that these measures have improved the situation.
It is amazing how I can share information with the class, use a power point, show a DVD and get blank looks at times.
However, I bring in a guest speaker, be it an instructor from another class, or a guest from the hospital that works in that specialty, and the class lights up with questions and amazement.
I have had a similar situation with Cell phone and Texting.
I sent a stern, but well stated reminder via email to each student that this activity was disturbing the learning of others as well as being disrespectful to me, the teacher.
I added an apology from myself that I had not addressed this activity previously because at times I ask students to use their phones to look up information on the web for reasearch.
However, after my e-mail, the activity ceased and cell phones dissappered.
My most challenging students have been those who have previous degrees (MBa, BA, etc.) and are returning to school for a different career.
I teach a technical subject in Respiratory Therapy. My response has been to respect their education but remind them that they are not Respiratory Care Practitioners yet.
My biggest challenge is that I am a new instructor. Clinically I shine in the hospital but am weak with presenting material/knowledge in the classroom.
Hi Valerie,
Wow, a grown man acting like a child. If there is a need get a staff/faculty member who has a good rapport with him to talk to him.
Patricia
I have a challenging student now. He seems to act out when he isn't getting the attention he feels he deserves.
He is in his thirties and brought a puzzle/toy into class. Not only that, he proceeded to lay with said toy. At the end of class I kindly asked him to stay behind while the others left.
I then asked him to NOT bring that toy to class again because it is a distraction. His response was 'Oh Really?'
Each time he "ACTS OUT" I try my hardest not to feed into it, then I pull him aside and speak to him on a friend level, still maintaining the Instructor role.
It is getting somewhat better................for now.
Hi Gregory,
What great use to make use of the older students as resources. They young can certainly learn from the more experienced.
Patricia
Some of my most challenging students are the students that are considered "high achievers" the students that complete their work quickly and more than likely the work is correct. Some of the strategies that I have used and seem to work with these students is I have began to use these students to work with my "lower achievers" students who really seem disinterested; this process seem to work because it allows the "high achievers" to sort of get extra practice while teaching new concepts to their peers. The "lower achievers" seems to enjoy working with their peers and sometime may get the concept taught to them from a different perspective from that of the teacher/instructor. I have also had several situations where some of my "lower achievers" became part of the "high achiever" group.
