Center Stager
I have a student who loves to be the center of attention. She will go as far as to even throw herself on the floor for a laugh. You wouldn't think you would have to deal with these things on the college level, but they are there and do happen. I've found being stern and not putting up with the cry for that kind of attention works.
I have a student that continually interjects during lecture adding irrelevant information. It becomes a challenge when he interjects with other students who are asking questions or he "corrects" them. I simply had a conversation and reaffirmed the rolls of instructor and student. The issues have subsided considerably but it is a work in process.
It seems that there must be at least one in every class! I, too, was surprised to find a 'turn shark' in the adult ed. classroom. I can see that other students become irritated by this behavior. I decided that 'center stagers' are often lacking the ability to read social cues (among other reasons). The other students can clearly see this, too. We ignore - a lot.
I find that it helps to develop a good relationship to the center stage student from the beginning so that they don't get offended when I say in class, "OK that is getting a bit off topic. Let's try to focus because we're limited on time." And then of course talking to them after class about it is very helpful. It may take a few weeks for them to remember though. I find that they understand when we discuss the issue but forget by the following week (especially once-a-week classes).
I have a student who constantly overshadows course content with slightly to irrelevant personal situations to course objective. It requires much to make their comments relevant to the course. Should I just state this is not relevant to the subject as oppose to putting a lot of energy into incorporating their comments?
Hi Asha,
It works well with the center stage student to keep them busy after they have completed their work. They will do whatever you ask of them because they love the attention.
Patricia Scales
I get students like that. They will do anything for attention. But they are not always bad students. They surprisingly intelligent. I have found that if made responsible for another students who is struggling, they get excited and go out of the way to help this struggling student. It also keeps them from talking too much in class as they have another agenda at hand.
In other words, simply diverting their energy into some other channel may just do the trick.
