Bad Attitudes
What are some ways you deals with students bad attitude in the class rooms
Humor is a great ice breaker. And also, continue to communicate expectations, upcoming assignments and being accountable for our own actions.
I find if i have my bases covered, and also be well prepared, plus a little humor on top, students' bad attitudes slowly melt away.
I have to say one of my basic tenets of life... "The best way to solve a problem is to prevent it."
I make it clear during the beginning of a course how it will be useful and how much they can rely on me and one another. "We are all in this together." I also do some get to know you activities to help them relax and make bonds with others.
If they are comfortable, they are less likely to find fault or cause fault.
I have noticed that the best way to handle Bad Attitude in class is by dealing on a one to one basis. I try to talk with that student aside during break or at the end of class. Give the student a chance to vent so I can assess the root of the problem. This will also give me a chance to create a raport with the student. Nothing better than letting the student feel they matter and that you are interested in creating a raport with them. That along usually disipates the problem.
pull the student aside and listen and talk to them about their attitude and why they need to change it.
I stepped into a situation teaching a class in the middle of the term and a student approached me how she had been mistreated and special treatment was given to other students. I allowed her to vent on a break, asked her to bring me specific examples and possible solutions, and asked that if I was to be able to help her I would need to know about obstacles of her achieving in the class. If I am uninformed I am not going to be a good resource to help you. Empowering students to correct their own behavior and instilling responsibility worked in that situation.
AT the onset of class....when going over the syllabus, I create a forum of discussion for "bad attitude" responses. This offers input from all the students from their peers and puts some power in their hands to how they will view someone with a bad attitude. The students then strive to not offend their classmates in the future because they want to be viewed positively not negatively.
I don't want to make an issue of it in the classroom. Administration has told me to continue my lecture and not discuss the issue with the whole class. However, at the break, I try to "touch base" with the student and give them an opportunity to "vent." If more time is needed, we will set up a time to meet.
Hi Greg,
I do the same thing, and most of them really do begin to improve. This is the way I like to start building a rapport with these students.
Patricia
I try to joke around with the bad attitude students. If I can make the student laugh and feel better, I find their attitudes improves.
