Negativity Robs the Learning Environment
I hesitate to agree with the author of this module that negativity is stronger that being positive; but I do totally endorse it's incredible dampening impact on any place, process or relationship.
When I have students that continually exhibit the "dark cloud sydrome" I usually call them in for a chat. I always let them vent first, because they usually do have some legitimate concerns; but once that is over I always ask them if they think their current attitude and actions are helping to change the situation.
Unfailingly, they admit that that isn't the case. After such a talk, I always watch for any positive changes they make in the ensuing weeks and am sure to give them lots of kudos to keep it up. We don't necessarily change a person's personality this way, but we definitely can have a huge impact on their behavior in the learning environment.
David,
Thanks for this post. Your point is well-communicated.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I see negative behavior as a performance issue and believe coaching and mentoring can often help a person to see things from a more positive light. Negativity is a habit, just as being positive is a habit. We can change habits if we see the need and want to make the change.
Henry,
It has been said that it takes 12 positives to overcome a negative. What are some of the intentional ways you help make positives happen?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Negativity and positivity is contagious. If leadership, employees, and faculty are negative at every turn and his or her behavior is negative than the business and campus will be negative. Positivity is contagious and leadership having positive behavior and positive conversations and positive solution will just change the dynamic of the campus and business environment.
Good point, Jeffrey.
This same techniques works outside the classroom. The more positive a team is, the less impact a negative person will have. A lot of times the negative person will become more positive. Sometimes, the negative person will be so uncomfortable that he or she will choose to leave rather thank to stay and change.
Jeffrey Schillinger
There have been many studies proving that one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch. I find that exuding positivity is the best tool. Quite often, if the bad apple sees that the instructor refuses to let the behavior take the class down, the behavior will cease.
Those are good words. It only has as much affect as you let it. I wonder how many times students do this in a group setting to bring attention to themselves, to be cool. A lot of times this is a learned response. I can see where modeling and mentoring could make a big difference here.
I agree completely. When I talk to the individual "bad apples", I find that the source of the negativity is often due to issues that have nothing to do with class, therefore, can't be easily solved.
I teach at a school where the students move from class to class as a group. They form a family of sorts, with all of the problems families have. It's important that all of the teachers collaborate on expectations, in creating a safe environment.
Professional behavior is a mandate - negativity can never be a component of the class.
I had never thought about the 11 to 1 idea before, but now that it is mentioned, I have seen it. I just had not thought of it that way. We have that issue with just one employee and sure enough, there are 10 to 12 other employees in our dept. We generally combat his behavior with humor and usually by the end of the day he is one of us. The next day it starts all over.
Patrick,
I agree. Campuses need to have a strategy in place to address students who find ways to interfere with the learning process. Usually it starts with advising. Usually that helps. If it does not, the campus needs to have a united strategy of the next steps.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I have found that the "bad apples" can have a really cancerous affect on the class. Some of these students just want to create a negative environment. I do not know why but some do. I have tried many of the concepts and tools to help them but, I think that there must be a stop point. Thoughts?
Ingrid,
It sometimes takes a lot to overcome a negative student. Helping other students find positive, goal-directed experiences is a great start.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I believe that negativity is "dark cloud syndrome". I currently only have 3 students in my class and a very negative dark student. I have tried to speak to her, the dean, the program director, everyone and she doesn't seem to feel it's important. What eventually I have done to overcome her negativity is to involve the other 2 students in enjoyable activities and negate her energy around all of us.
Laurel,
Thank you for this post. In my experience, the one "bad apple" can really spoil the barrel.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Rosa,
One of the most overlooked but most important roles of a good teacher is to maintain a "safe" environment in the classroom. Teachers need to be sure to pay attention to students to ensure they are treating other students well.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Apryl,
Negative folks are really tough to work with for positive people. The good thing is that a positive environment might either chase the person out or change the person's perspective.
Jeffrey Schillinger
By acting or talking negatively to students and staff will definitely have an impact not only on the people around you but also more importantly yourself. It will then become a habit and a poor one.
I feel that negativity will have as much of an impact in a classroom setting as you allow it. You must take the initiative to step in and stop negativity before it takes root when brought in class. Otherwise you give it power.
