Hi Elly, I think we have all had experiences like that. It is a little more difficult when you are acting as a substitute and you do not know the students. In my ground classes, when that has happened, I start by requesting politely that they quiet down and if they want to engage in private conversations, to please do so outside of the classroom. If it does not abate, I basically tell them to leave the room until they can maintain the appropriate decorum of a college student. The college where I teach fulltime, offers a great deal of support to faculty to deal with disruptive students. They actually encourage you to write the student up for this type of conduct. In the years I have been teaching at the college level, I have written students up only a handful of times.
I hope this helps, Maureen O'Connor
@ellythomas : I have been in this situation a few times during my academic teaching years. My first approach would be to the students who are being disruptive and advise them that their behavior is quite disruptive and also disrespectful. Not to mention unprofessional. If their behavior continues after my first attempt with them, I would then very professionally and quietly ask them to gather their things and leave the classroom for that day. In addition, I would let my Superior know of my actions.
LrL~~
@@ellythomas I am a teacher of eleven years. What I have found that works best is to stand right beside disruptive or ADD students to keep them on track. Jen Vest
@ellythomas : LOL....this works for me: Stop what you are doing, look directly at them, and ask them if THEY would like to teach the lecture to their classmates or at least shareto their classmates what is so funny. That usually shuts them up.
@ellythomas :
This is an issue that has challenged me as well. I have worked with educators about classroom disruptions and maintaining order in seminar with my private practice. I can share some information.
Just like the stand-up comedian faces hecklers a teacher must from time to time be faced with outbursts, temper-tantrums, disrespect and cries for attention from disruptive students.
I try and make a preventative strike by listing a behavior / conduct code at the first night of class. I explain that I am not just a teacher, I am a trained facilitator. As a facilitator I hold the responsibility to create learning opportunities and an environment that welcomes opportunity.
On the first night I hand out my policy sheet. I disclose my policy for all electronic devices, that no hats or sunglasses may be worn, and that honesty must be maintained.
I am always prepared to “mix things up” so that a group activity or brainstorming session can collect the classroom energy that needs better direction. I begin this by physically moving toward the disruption and asking for input – and acknowledge the input as positive reinforcement.
Also I state what is expected. For example before a video I may say “I will be playing a video in 10-15 minutes. Take care of all of your calls, personal needs etc. It is 40 minutes in length I expect everyone to remain seated for the duration of the video.”
By utilizing a “prevention” mindset distractions are lessened and as a facilitator you appear more organized and in control. I have learned to grow my coping limits and use these opportunities as a mental exercise for my own growth.
I hope that helps!
Kelly
I believe confrontation (privately) would probably be the necessary option if you aren't lecturing. However, I make a point to walk towards the disruptive student(s) while lecturing, standing next to them while addressing the class. The conversation always ends because they won't raise their voices above my classroom-projecting voice. Add the fact that they are now theoretically 'in front' of the class with their classmates facing their direction to look at me. I continue for a minute or two then return to the front of the room.
Repeat as necessary. The most I needed to do this was twice in a four-hour lecture.
Of course, one size does not fit all circumstances, but I found this to be the best tactic for me.
John
@ellythomas : I would ask the students that were causing the disruption, to step outside the class for a moment and I would have a talk with them about being professional in the class, just as they would be on the job. I would let them know that there is zero tolerance for that behavior. I like to give my other students a friendly reminder that their behavior in class is a direct reflection of what kind of professional they will be. It makes them stop and think. They are in training for the real world while they are in class. Having a mix of ages makes it difficult, I know. But I do believe that the majority is there to learn, and make a better future for themselves. Perhaps a "friendly" reminder to the entire class of why they are there, and what they hope to accomplish with their new education.
Hi Elly,
What I have done in the past is just stop doing whatever it is I am doing whether it's lecturing or demonstrating a competency and basically stare at those who are disruptive. If that doesn' work, then I stop & ask, 'would you care to share your funny moment with the rest of the class. I have also asked them to leave the class & gain their composure in order to return. If all else fails & they refuse to leave class, then call the security guard to escort them out & write them up for unprofessional behavior.
@ellythomas : Dealing with students who are easily distracted is tough. It takes patient and dedication. I deal with them all the time. Adult learners can be eaily distracted too.
It is` really about isolating the trouble makers talking to them on the side or in private.This is important because it is not highschool. People are paying to attend career colleges it's their investment, no excuses for distractions.
