Hi George,
As an instructor, you have to be very explicit with your explanations. I always ask the questions several time, Does everyone understand? Are there any questions? Am I clear?
Some students will not speak up, but they know I am willing to help and will come see me during office hours for clarity.
Patricia
Hello William,
You're welcome. What have you been doing with the occasional disruptive student?
Patricia
Hi Terri,
In what situation that has occurred with you could this idea have been utilized?
Patricia
that!!! is an absolutly great idea. Thank you.
Hi Hilary,
It is truly amazing what listening can do to help calm a situation.
Patricia
Hi Rick,
This quick fix is to nip it in the bud quickly. At my institution we do not tolerate disprect/disruption at all. We deal with those students quickly and swiftly.
Patricia
Thank you for the ideas in this section. This will help me with the occasional disruptive student.
Hi Ben,
When requirements and expectations are put in writing, generally complaints and concerns are minimized.
Patricia
Hi George,
I always tell my instructors never let the students see you sweat. You have to be the glue for all students. The breakdown can occur after the students leave.
Patricia
I agree....It does not do any good to be visibly frustrated as this signals to the class that maybe you are the problem.
At first I have a tendency to say, “Put it all up front,” but I think that it is key to have a constant dialogue with all of the students. This is especially important in regard to their understanding course requirements and decorum, and that they understand the specifics of the requirements. Rubrics are important, but they are effective if the student understands them, and then sees why assignments had points deducted. The “errors” are important in the student learning the material. As they make mistakes, and understand why after some extra instruction, that material becomes nearly indelible in their memory. It is also important to answer students’ questions clearly when they are on assignments or grading criteria as their questions are probably on the minds of several “silent” students.
Instructors need to be upfront with both what they're expecting and what they're requiring out of the students. When there is a complaint or a challenge of something, content related, it can be brought back to the forms and handouts given at the beginning of class. Otherwise, the complaint or challenge is something that needs to be handle on an individual basis.
Methods and techniques for dealing with "tough" students vary greatly. There is no quick fix, just patience, understanding, and maintaining control.
Victoria, I completely agree. 9 times out of 10, listening by itself deescalates the situation.
Hello Jocelyn,
Absolutely! As instructors, we must be approachable. Students should not have fear when it comes to communicating with you.
Patricia
Hi Victoria,
For example, you could have said, Johnny, you need to enter this class with an open mind. You need to form your own opinion of me. This class is what YOU make of it. I am here for you. Try to end on a positive note. Make sure to request an appointment with Johnny. He needs to be spoken to privately about this. It is unfair for him to say things that can be damaging to your reputation in front of others.
Patricia
Hi Linda,
There is always a flip side. It is imperative to listen to our students.
Patricia
Hi Victoria,
Never the classroom in front of others. Always have this type of conversation behind closed doors.
Patricia
Hi Francis,
If you have been dealing with this student for quit some time you must put and end to this disruptive student. Request to the dean that you would like to have the student removed from your class. Always put every situation in writing so that you have documentation.
Patricia
Hi Satiago,
Absolutely! Take care of those problem students quickly and swiftly, otherwise they will ruin things for others.
Patricia
