Hi Ana,
At times, it is necessary to take such action. We have to do whatever needs to be done to maintain an environment that is conducive to learning.
Patricia
Patricia,
my most challenging students are the ones that already grasp the concept of the course and have a higher demand that the rest of the students. This student becomes impatient and frustrated when he does not receive the "wow" moment he was expecting when he signed up for the course. By tying his needs in as much as possible or letting him discuss some of these higher expectations constructively to the class, many will disagree or understand the "next level" of Blooms. Depending on the grading rubric, I make that assignment a little more challenging for the student. it is important to keep all of this in mind when scoring. If the rubric is on grammar and format, his essay can be significantly more advanced. If the rubric is content, offer some advanced optional readings to the class to see if he bites. In the end, did this student meet the smaples of behavior or did he just grumble?
Greg
Hi Kimberly,
Great observation! I have found the same to be true. I also try to sit these students with very sharp students that are helpful.
Patricia
I also did that last Thursday, I made one student move up and away from the "influences" of a very talkative student. It worked!
I have one older lady student that wanted to be the center of negative attention all term long. Last Thursday, when we met in class, she changed her attitude (in a positive way) to the point that I couldn't believe it. The week before, I decided to talk to the whole class and set the rules clear. That made her and all the other students understand that the classroom is a good/fun/relaxed place to learn, the ice broke and from then on, I enjoy teaching that group.
I typically find that the students with the greatest need tend to move to the back of the class. When I observe an issue, I tell them that I need them to move to a station up front and that way I can give them more attention and am able to correct some behaviors that I wouldn't otherwise notice if they are hiding in the back.
Hi Rebecca,
Seating assignments can definitely be effective. It is an old strategy, but it still works. I certainly do not see this as being silly. If it works for you, then use it.
Patricia
In my class, I find the most challenging student to be the student with a poor attitude and outlook. There may be students that have a hard time grasping the information, however, a positive attitude makes it easier to work with them. It's those that come in thinking that the world is against them no matter what and unless you give them every exception in the book, you too are against them. With these students, I maintain my patience, and sit with them one-on-one, to make sure there are no distractions. I then go through all the rules and deadlines clearly to eliminate any confusion or fall-back excuses. Once I know that all the information is clear, I continue to treat them with respect, but stay firm with the rules and deadlines.
Great material--and seating assignments are not silly when working with distracted students. We've tried that a number of times and it is an effective strategy!
I like the observer role and use-it-wisely cards for students who like to take over class.
The seating chart works well; in addition I have taken the student aside and spoken with them regarding the challenges they are presented with. I have extended myself and in the end the student was unsuccessful. However,I offered as much as I could in the position as an instructor. In the forum of adult learners, they must be held accountable for their own success and albeit, failures.
yes, especially with challenging students
Frequently students tell how something is handled at their job, eg terminating someone. Inevitably the process is one that indicates unfairness to the employee and makes the firm subject to legal action.
Most of the courses that I teach are required general education courses and so many students struggle to see the benefit of the course for their career goals. I often cast the course content as information that might help them relate to a potential employer, or be successful in a job interview or related professional task. This seems to work to give these students a context within which they might use the subject matter, but even more effective is the role of the guest speaker. Just as this module suggests students perk up when I, as someone with no experience in the profession that they hope to enter when they complete their program, can bring in someone from that field who is particularly interested in some area of my subject. I can usually get a few days of renewed effort out of students from such a visit.
Since I teach in an on-line setting (vs. a classroom), the most challenging students are the ones that "disappear".
I'll contact them several times to try to figure out what's happening and to encourage them to reengage in class. If they respond, then we can often reengage them so they succeed in class.
Hi Jeanne,
I know some really think they can buy their degree, diploma, or certificate. They must understand, they have to earn their grades.
Patricia
The most challenging are the ones who expect to pass just by showing up and paying their money. I suggest tutoring frequently, ask areas they are struggling with, and reinforce that critical thinking is a process and we all get better with practice. I talk to them about test taking strategies and anxiety reduction.
Hi Patricia,
You need to put a stop to these loud and disruptive students. It is not fair to your students and you.
Patricia
The most challening students are the the loudest and most disruptive.
Addressing the issue and redirecting behavior has been most effective without further disruption.
I find the "center stage" students to be my most challenging students at times. I really liked the idea of giving them the role of Observer.
Hi Kevin,
You are so on point! I tell my students the same thing. There are millions of different ways of doing a computer task for example, utilize the method that works best for you.
Patricia
