Dealing with Challenging Students
i put everything up for class discussion. we need the team environment.
Engage the students in class room discussions this allows the class to analyse what they are learning this will also open up the learining process and help those students who might not understand the full scope of the topic to get that aha moment.
Be clear and upfront with class expectations, perameters in how the course is going to run according to the agreed schedule, holidays, hours, deadlines, participation, etc
Let students know your expectations from day 1. Stand firm. Be fair. Know what your exceptions will be. Treat all students the same.
Hi Shah,
Always control the classroom. The classroom should be an environment that is conducive for effective learning to take place.
Patricia
students complaint about other students at the back talking in group.
I had to separate the group by bringing some to the front. it worked
Hi Kimberly,
Great response! We are human too, and as long as we live, we will make mistakes. As you have mentioned, use mistakes as a life lesson learned and move forward.
Patricia
I agree Paul. One thing I always do in my classes, I tell my students right up front, “I am human just like you. Which means, yes, I do make mistakes..†The bonus comes when you make the mistake and turn it into a class learning experience. What could I have done differently to prevent this problem?
Students think that once you have earned that degree and taught in the high school or college environment, that you are immune from mistakes. That is the farthest thing from the truth. It is how you recover from those mistakes that help you and your student learn.
Precise and consistent requirements are necessary in all classes. I also feel these requirements need to remain consistent from class to class. You cannot do one thing in section A, and something different in Section B, C, or D.
While I do not disagree that putting things up for discussion in a class can be helpful, I worry that this diminishes the effectiveness of your authority. Do students take this as a way to skate around the rules of the class?
Are you selective what you put up for discussion, or does every issue get put to the “team†as you called it?
The best way to deal with student challenges in a classroom is to let the students know you understand and you are here to help them be successful in the classroom. I have always had very open office hours, (if I am in my office, you are welcome to come in and chat with me). I feel this breeds trust in students and can help reduce challenges. For the students who do not take advantage of my office hours, I invite them to a one-on-one in my office to discuss the class, their concerns and their behaviors. When teaching online classes, I will meet with them on the phone to discuss their issues. Letting my students know that I care about them and their learning environment is important to them and me.
I belive the one thing that will decrease complaints and challenges is to be consistent.
Secondly, make sure to include requirements for successful completion of the course in the syllabus.
I really liked the suggestion from Module 104 for managing problem students.
1st suggestion: Change a possible problem situation into a learning experience, by "going along" with the problem and turning it into a group activity.
2nd suggestion: Laugh at yourself when you personally make mistakes to show the students that you are "human."
Listening to what they have to say is the first step. However, some students will complain about any and everything if you allow it. I let the person vent and then let them know we are moving on to class content now and if they want to continue the discussion, they can see me after class. It is difficult if the student complaints have to do with the system in general or other instructors. It is important not to let the anger infect the rest of the class. Stressing that I will listen, but we must stay on task seems to work.
open up for discussion,and positive attitude
Hi Renee,
It is good to have variation when it comes to learning methods due to the different types of learners.
Patricia
I encourage students to speak up in class as I'm going through the lecture. I ask them questions. I get them to talk. I also incorporate pairs or group work activities after the lab. I like to offer a variety of learning methods for the lecture material. I show DVD educational videos over topics I discussed in a Power Point lecture then provide a hands-on lab activity so students can grasp the content fully. This helps to eliminate complaints and offers a more engaging learning environment. Students who may not be as attentive during my Power Point lecture may like DVD educational movies better. Other students apply themselves with the hands-on lab activities.
Hi Tina,
May I suggest, only allow open discussion for complaints if you KNOW that you can keep things under full control.
Patricia
Hi Carolyn,
Thanks for sharing the Chinese characters for listening. This makes sense.
Patricia
I think the best strategy is staying ahead of the game. Student complaints don't 'come out of nowhere'. Teachers are generally able to gauge when complaints and challenges are surfacing. The best thing to do is stay ahead. Let the students air complaints-- whether on paper or outloud and open a discussion. Maybe the student will see the teacher's perspective or maybe the teacher will see the student's perspective.
