I would like to try the seating chart idea but what if the students object? Especially the ones who like to sit in the back and use their cell phones for texting? I have found this to be a real problem. I also have a few students are are just down right aggressive in their attitude, constantly challenge me, and will ALWAYS go to management first before talking with me, even though I have an open door policy?
Hi Lois,
Absolutely! Students want to see how you react so that they can judge you either professional or nonprofessional.
Patricia
"Kill them with kindness" is good because all the other students are aware of the student's attitude and watching the instructor's response.
Lois
Hi Andrea,
I see you know how to maintain your composure. I tell my instructors all the timen never let the students dictate your attitude. Kill them with kindness.
My most challenging students are the (1) the type that is not motivated to succeed and (2) they have a "know-it-all" personality. The students who are not motivated typically only need a little encouragement. I write positive comments on their work when they score well on a quiz or an exam. The I-know-it-all students typically change their stance as the class moves along. I do not argue with them or try to prove that I know more than they do. I allow the class to progress along and by midterm, they see that they need my help to master the topics. If you simply hold your peace, it all works out. I never allow students to draw emotions from me that will make me seem to be excitable. I've learned to simply just watch and listen.
Hi Lois,
This is an old strategy, but it still works just as well. The talking students get the drift.
Patricia
When s student is talking loudly to other students while in class I stop talking.
The other students look around to see why the class discussion stops.
The person that is talking becomes aware that the class was interrupted because of him/her.
Hi Lois,
I like the methods you use to prevent sleeping and the use of cell phones. You are very tactful and professional with your methods. I especially like how you use humor in the sleep phrase! :-) Students get your drift!
Patricia
Hi Jamie,
With this type of student sometimes it is necessary to do as you have, pull them aside and have a private, firm, serious talk.
Patricia
My most challenging students are the outgoing speak out of turn loud ones. I try to engage them in the subject but their social nature makes that very difficult. There are times when I have to pull a student aside and try and get them to understand that they are disrupting the learning process for other students.
My most challenging students
I instruct students that are paid to attend mandatory Continuing Education Courses. My most challenging students are the ones that fall asleep during class or text while holding the phone in their lap.
Strategies that been effective
In front of the classroom I have an easel with the out line of the “Expectations of the Day”. As the students enter the room and find a seat they are able to read the information and often ask a question before class starts.
•Sleeping
At the introduction of the class I state that “We are paid to stay awake in class; so if I fall asleep wake me up”.
I usually get a laugh; but they understand the guidelines. If a student falls asleep during class usually the person sitting next to him/her will tap the student on the shoulder “to wake up”.
If the student just can’t stay awake (maybe they worked on the night shift) I will talk to the student at break and give him/her the opportunity to reschedule the class. The student understands that they have a choice; stay awake or reschedule.
•Using phones during class
I have several colorful posters around the room stating that during class “No Phones – No Text Messages”.
At the start of the class I always ask if there is any one in the class that has a family situation that may require the students to respond quickly to a message. If a student raises their hand I talk to the student privately. If the student has to leave the classroom to use their phone the other students understand that the message is important and authorized.
When I find someone using their phone/text message I give them eye contact; the student usually will stop. If they continue to use the phone after they know I am aware of the situation I will take the student aside at the break and remind him/her the policy use of the phone during class.
The most challenging students that I’ve encountered are the ones who are simply here to satisfy their parents so they can continue to live at home. These students have been told to either go to school or move out and since going to school seemed the easiest alternative they end up in my class with no desire to learn or even work in our field. I honestly have not found anyway to motivate these students and as long as they don’t disrupt the learning environment I pretty much leave them alone.
Hello Instructor Scales,
The most challenging students are ones who show up one or two weeks and then disappear without dropping the course. I reach out to these students by email and copy the student's academic advisor. In the email, I also offer every opportunity to work with the student to get caught up.
Unattentive students can be challenging, but over-stressed students are the ones I find most challenging. Through observation I can tend to identify these students early in the course and I usually have a one-on-one conversation with them to better understand their situation and recommend resources within the school or community which may address their needs.
I too have found a seating chart helps when there are several types of challenges in the class, (The talkers, loners, texters) all come to the front.
Diane
I have experienced two types of challenging students. Those that think they know the subject matter as well as the instructor, and those that feel they will never succeed (the course, their degree path, or their career choice). For those that feel they know it all......I try to incorporate some interesting research (preferrably recent information) and incorporate that into the discussions. Another strategy is to invite the student to lead a discussion. For the one that has a lack of esteem, I provide encouragement and support all along the way.
My most challenging are those that can't follow the directions in the text, I have computer classes and the book is something that challenges some students. I get my time to help with them one to one at least once and that seems to work to reassure them it can be done. The flip side is that some wish to become dependent on me. I can't spread myself that thin.
My most challenging student are those for which English is NOT their main language but a second language. There is a very wide range of understanding of the English language in these students. Ironically, I really enjoy having one or more of these students in each class I teach since it helps slow me down in my lecturing (I tend to talk fast since I am a very animated instructor and I want my students to share my enthusiasm in the subject material). In addition to "slowing down" my speech, I also permit such students to use a language translation tool when taking quizzes and exams as well as giving them more time to complete the important exams for the course. Since I announce these "rules" during my first class lecture, all students are aware of them and I have never had any, "English-is-my-main-language", student indicate any resentment for what some might call preferencial treatment for these students.
Bob
Hi Patricia,
In short, a lot of our students are really products of their environment. We do have to retrain them.
Patricia
Hello Patsy,
I do find those who are absent and tardy to be challenging as well. This module I have not had too many tardies and no absences. I put it out there how it affects one grade by not be present. When there is consequences for actions one seems to change one bad habit.
