Dealing with Challenging Students | Origin: ED104
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Class Management Strategies--> Dealing with Challenging Students
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
I like the idea of assigning the TALKATIVE/CENTER-STAGE students as OBSERVERS if they continue to have their own ways after you spoke to them in private. I would also make use of the USE-IT-WISELY cards to keep students' participation to a minimum and give others chances to participate as well.
Learning about the different students actually makes the teaching a challenge but also a reward if we are able to provide them the tools to succeed while trying to use their attributes and educate them in subtle ways.
I thought the tips to engage inattentive students was really helpful, because it is something every instructor deals with. The tips were:
Move to the area where the inattentive student is
Schedule discussion if needed
Put them in groups
Seating chart
Minute papers at the end of the day to summarize what they learned
I think the groups and minute papers are really helpful to do in general to curb that behavior before it happens. So, I will do that and move to a discussion or altered seating chart if it gets that far.
Recognize what type of student I am dealing with (instead of generally labeling them as a "difficult" student). This well help determine strategies to improve the situation with the student and in the classroom.
The human component is the most rewarding and the most challenging.
The younger students have a greater tendency to be inattentive in c lass and some strategies the instructor can use: alert them of your presence and seating charts,
Always provide freedom to communicate.
Realizing behavior is communication, not personal attacks; learn to stay calm, set firm but respectful boundaries, find root cause.
Engage each students equally in all activities of the class. Adequate strategies to handle center stage students. It is important to build strong relations with students and also be on track of all assignments and course works.
What I have learned is that there are a lot of personalities in the classroom and how to utilize them.
There will be a mix of all types in a classroom. It is up to us as instructors to keep the balance. Different methods for different personalities. There is no "one fits all" approach.
The talkative student can be a challenge, but they can also be an asset by electing them to help out when it comes to teamwork. The talkative student usually wants to be the team captain as it meets their needs to be center stage. You can give them instructions on what the team should do and them let them help in completing the work with the team's help.
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses in the classroom setting. Recognizing these different attributes and finding ways to monopolize their strengths while reducing their negative aspects in the classroom would be the best approach to uplift the class in general and bring other students into the interactive process that may not normally be called upon.
Giving each student opportunities to contribute to class and not just the demonstrative ones will encourage engagement in the more reserved students.
Many students who are disengaged or inattentative are that way as a learned behavior from early school years. They have continually gotten away with it by being a class clown,teacher favorite or making the teacher think they are their favorite teacher.
trying to change a challenging student is not always a realistic objective. Instead, effectively managing these students through practical strategies is what truly makes a difference. Building stronger relationships through regular check-ins and positive reinforcement.
Using restorative practices to address conflicts and encourage accountability.
Creating a classroom environment where students feel safe, respected, and heard.
Reflecting on my own biases and triggers so I can respond more thoughtfully.
Encourage the students to work as group and have them present their work.
From this module, I learned that trying to change a challenging student is not always a realistic objective. Instead, effectively managing these students through practical strategies is what truly makes a difference. I plan to apply all of the strategies presented in the module, particularly those aimed at students who consistently make excuses.
When dealing with a diverse group of students, it is helpful to have a plethora of strategies to keep as many of them engaged as possible. It is also important to maintain basic human care and empathy to address all of my students as fairly as possible. When students are not engaged, I should take that as a cue to add some relevant activities to the class, or even speak with students one on one to gain a clearer perspective.
Students come with a variety of behaviors and willingness to participate in class. Being prepared and being able to notice the different behaviors will help teachers deal with different behaviors. Probably the most important thing noted in this section is the part that reminds teachers to look at themselves when they are having problems with a child. We can change ourself a lot faster than we can change a kid.
