The average age of the CTU student is 35 years old. My most challenging students seem to be the "younger" students - many of whom are mixed in with "older" ones. I think that they lack experience (professional and personal) and, therefore, comfort and confidence in their knowledge. One of the strategies that I think is effective in working with them (and all of my students for that matter)is that I laugh at myself. For example, very often I start talking and go off track from my lecture notes and their review notes (that I provide to them). I'll catch myself and then say "Oh - I went off track... again!" I think that bringing a little levity into the classroom makes it less daunting - i.e. this is serious business but sometimes it can be funny too is the message that I think resonates with, in particular, my younger students.
Hi Dennis,
Students need to learn how to take responsibility for their own actions. Employers are not going to tolerate the finger pointing.
Patricia
Hi Eli,
What you are doing is a good way to get those nonbusiness majors interested in the business courses.
Patricia
My most challenging students have been those who are not students in the business school but who are required to take business courses. What I try to do now - on the first day of a new class - is to provide "real life" examples of how the class relates to their fields of study (e.g. criminal justice, medical coding, IT, etc.) and, therefore, how/why the class is relevant for them.
Blame it on Others type of students are my most challenging.
Personally review prior set expectations with student verbally and through written advising form . The student is advised of additional assistance available. In turn trying to get the student to hold them selves accountable for their own actions as well as understanding the consequences of those actions.
Hi Mark,
I fully understand. Super approach!
Patricia
Hi Tonia,
It sounds like you took control and professionally put the student in their place.
Patricia
We proceed with the day's lessons and they are invited to approach me after class adjourns. This '3 strikes' approach is mainly a mental system for me to allow energy to diffuse in discussions that students are holding in; you know exuberance, which I really do not want to suppress. However, I seem to be an easy mark for center stage individuals (maybe I look like a deer in the headlights and some people will use this for power moves). Three strikes is my mental system of letting people vent. I surely intend to apply "the observer" role to center stage students in the future. What a great idea!
the problem I have come across are the ones who are the know it all atttitude and like to challenge the book , when they know nothing of the course. Finally I stated that I was the teacher and have been in this feild of study for 15 years , its life experience where than you will really grasp the idea of whats at hand in the book
Hi Chunan,
You are on point so far as dealing with the different types of challenging students.
Patricia
Hi Chunan,
How do you deal with this type of student?
Patricia
Hi Mark,
Whenever they use their three strikes, how do you move forward from this point?
Patricia
I am generally challenged most by "center stage" students, and have had a past challenge in my youth. I find it useful to give them 3 strikes at making their point, which many times can be totally off topic. I like the "observer" strategy and intend to apply it immediately, so that the class doesn't get out of control.
Yes, it's another kind challenging students, at least to me.
You even do not know what they are thinking about and what they are going to do or react
for the silent students, we got to make him open his month by mini presentation, small group exercises,friends group in a friendly atmosphere.
for the angry student, using listening,talking, writing complaint
for the trouble makers, letting them know the rules and policies.
Hi Dixie,
You're right! The magic doesn't always work, but it is worth trying.
Patricia
Hello Darla,
For unmotivated students sometimes failing can be a big eye opener that causes students to realize you are not going to be given anything. You must work for what you want.
Patricia
Hi James,
This is a super rapport building exercise. I can see how this can be helpful to you as well as to the students.
Patricia
Hello Chunan,
What do these things have to do with challenging students?
Patricia
Hi Chunan,
Are you saying students who do not communicate are challenging?
Patricia
