Challenging Students
I have a student who asks non-ending questions. This student is a habitual absentee who wants answers now in the middle of the lecture. I told her that she needs to wait until I am at a resting point to allow for questions, but she insists she does not understand the material. I instructed her the importance of attendance and reading the chapters to increase her understanding.
What else can I do to improve this situation?
-Alyce Dexter
Hi Kristen,
What awesome points to share with the students. I am sure you have impacted this student's life. You were very straightforward with her. I can see how she appreciated this conversation.
Patricia
Hi Alyce,
I have a similar student. I scheduled a meeting with her and asked her why she was absent so often. This showed her that I cared about her and her success and I believe that I have made an impact. She was so used to instructors not caring that I kind of took her by surprise.
I also told her in that same conversation that if a potential employer were to call me and ask about her, I would be unable to give her a good reference because of her behavior. That is when I got her! She was then able to draw a parallel between school and 'real life'.
Patricia, I don't disagree with your advice here but I would be inclined to investigate further why the behavior is happening. Their may be forces at work that they cannot control.
Hi Alyce,
You've tried. Get the dean involved. It needs to be known to the student that you appreciate her questions, and you want to help, but you can not hold up the entire class for her because she refuses to come to school. A stop must be put to this!
Patricia
