Bringing personal problems to school
How do you deal with students who constantly bring their issues to class without hurting their feelings?
It is unstandable that adult students are going to have personal matters arise in their lives that place strain on their responsibilites in the classroom. I would make an effort to talk with the student and devise a workable plan to help them stay on track with their course-work. If this student continued to have personal challenges that they repeatedly bring into the classroom, I'd have to have a serious one-on-one discussion with them about the matter.
At this point, the student's inability to cope with life's difficulties has most likely caused a significant drop in their ability to perform well in the course. If they cannot cope while they are pursuing their education, they will likely carry this pattern over into their professional life as well.
I am willing to provide as much support as I can as their instructor in order to assist them, but there comes a point where the student must assume responsibility and learn to manage their lives and deal with any consequences or outcomes as a result of how they handle matters.
I like to remind them that leaving personal issues at the door during class will help prevent distractions for both themselves and others around them. I only do this in a private setting, one on one.
I completely agree with this statement. Your job will not tolerate personal problems always interfering with work. So it's best to leave home at home and school at school.
Hi Sandra,
Have a private conversation with them, and let them know that this type of behavior will not be accepted in the workplace. Let them know you are there for them, but the classroom is not the place to share personal information.
Patricia Scales
