Hi Chunan,
Don't put up with the trouble makers. Put an end to them. I am sure administration will back you.
Patricia
trouble makers are the most challenging students.
To make them reecongizs the rules and discipline is so important to the instructor's teaching and students learning including the trouble makers.
No communication means nothing
treat students differently according to their age,background,etc.
the instructor has to breake down the contents to feed their need
One is he or she thought they know more than the in structor as well as another one is the trouble maker.
For me it is the inattentative student that creates the biggest challenge. I usually have the students engage in an introductory forum on the first day of class. They post basic information about themselves (i.e. hometown, where they work, what they do, hobbies, interests, etc). After posting their information, they are then required to read and reply at least once to every other student posting. This gives me great insight into each student's areas of personal interest, which enables me to easily develop rapport with even the most intractable student.
The most challenging students are the unmotivated students. Yes, many students are in programs because they are motivated to have a specific career or skill. However, some want to know the career or skill without taking the time to learn. Skills and knowledge require learning, which requires students to take time and effort to study and practice. Motivated students will do that. During that process, they learn, which leads to knowledge.
While unmotivated students can be inspired,that process requires experienced instructors and staff who understand that failing is sometimes best. (Unmotivated students does not mean those with disabilities or inadequate skills to be successful.)
Like most well-thought-out plans for students, Patricia--sometimes the magic works, and sometimes it doesn't!
Hi Dixie
It seems as though you have a well-planned system in place for identifying challenging students. How effective has the system been for you?
Patricia
I allow students to sit wherever they wish, and I also use a seating chart each class period to keep track of who's where. We have four-hour class blocks, so I use the chart to reinforce my name-face recognition, to return papers during a break, and to check attendance after a break.
If I need to separate students, I speak with them as privately as possible and make a note on next week's seating chart to make sure it happens.
Hi Katherine,
I don't use seating charts. I let my students sit wherever they are most comfortable.
Patricia
I have read that several people are using seating charts. I plan to try it my next Term. How early in the Term do you typically start this and do you change them around during the Term?
Hi Christina,
What do you typically do to motivate the younger students, and what do you do to assist the adults?
Patricia
Hello Dixie,
Thanks for not solely leaving it up to the student to get with you. You make a great effort in ensuring your students see you. Keep up the super work!
Patricia
My most challenging students are the ill-prepared ones, lacking the basic prerequisite skills (Freshman Composition with little understanding of sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, etc.), who resist talking to me about where they are and what we can do about it. I manage a lot of one-on-one coaching, but some of these students are adept at smiling and nodding and then slipping out of the classroom while I'm talking with other students.
My best strategy so far as been to say, "Don't leave without talking to me," and then stationing myself close to the door or with at least one eye on the door to snag them as they try to scuttle out. They usually feel better once they finally face the fact that we have to devise a plan to deal with the deficiencies.
In my univeristy, the ability to identify and help at-risk students is essential to success. I find that younger students tend to have the hardest time getting motivated right after graduating from high school. I have also had adults that were so afraid of going back to school that they needed a bit of assistance.
Hi Ashley,
To some seating charts may seem elementary, but I agree with you Ashley. At times a seating chart is necessary.
Patricia
Two types of students I find to be most challenging are the inattentive ones as well as on the other end, the ones that are too opinionated. Combining each of these in groups or teams has allowed both types of these challenging students to be more open in listening to each others ideas and then discussing their own experiences or issues. Another strategy I have found to help in these situations is a seating chart. Unfortunatley, it does have to be done at times with adults just as much as children.
