Working with ODD Students
I recently was leading a class with a student who has displayed signs of ODD both in and out of the class room. This student was involved in a verbal argument with an other student. I'll likely be working with this student again in the coming semester and I am very hesitant about accepting a teaching assignment with this student.
Any thought about how to proceed without jeprodizing my adjunct position?
It is the student's responsibility to provide documentation that proves that they have a disability. If this student has proven that he or she has ODD, then accommodation is necessary; otherwise, it is not.
As instructors, we are not able to diagnose a student. Even for an instructor who is a trained psychologist, a classroom is not an appropriate environment for diagnosing someone. Therefore, I think that it is best to proceed as though this student is being disruptive and not suffering from ODD, unless he or she has provided documentation of ODD.
I would document abusive behavior by this person towards other students, staff members, or myself, and institute disciplinary procedures according to my institution's rules.
However, there is an alternative that might work. On one occasion, I had a student who became very upset when she got a low grade. I asked her to stay after class, and I explained to her that I am just doing my job, that sometimes my job requires me to give people bad news about an assignment, that I have nothing against her, and that I'm willing to help her to get a better grade by explaining the material and answering her questions. Her attitude changed completely: She stopped being disruptive and did better in class.
So in conclusion, some people are genuinely disabled, but they have to prove it. Other people are difficult but reasonable, so a discussion with them might establish that you are the kind of teacher who is willing to help them understand the material. Other people are not disabled and not reasonable, and only the threat of punishment will keep them from derailing the class.
Kathy,
That sounds like sound advice. But I would want to make sure that the information you shared with the supervisor includes nothing other than a report of what happened and the direct concerns for safety. You would want to make it clear that the concern is about the status of this student on campus, and not just personal safety.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I would let your direct supervisor know your concerns before taking the assignment so they can be aware of your hesitation. I would also make it a point to not have one-on-one conversations with the student, especially regarding disciplinary action or criticism, so that you feel safe and so the student doesn't feel threatened either. Have a supervisor with you in these cases. Good luck!
