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.
most challenging students just need help understanding new content, but some have personal stuff going on, that's why i always ask if things are ok and refer them to student services for help
Impressions are everything; whether they are a 5 second interaction or 5 minutes, how you hold yourself and portray yourself outwards can leave either the wrong or right impression on someone.
Try to treat all students equal, don't let a few students take over!
Dealing with challenging students requires a balance of clear boundaries, empathy, and professional composure. Addressing disruptive behavior privately prevents public power struggles and allows you to uncover underlying causes, such as academic frustration, anxiety, or personal stress. Establishing firm, transparent expectations from the start ensures consistent enforcement, keeping the focus entirely on specific behaviors rather than personal conflict. When issues persist, documenting recurring incidents and escalating them to institutional support protects both the learning environment and the integrity of the course.
I love the ideas of asking the student if they have any ideas that would help keep them more engaged with the material
Many young adult students get very offended when they are "called out." It is a quick way to deal with the situation right then and there. However, this may create unnecessary resentment. It would be better to take the student aside and have them explain what can be done to improve the situation or instruction to keep their attention.
I had wondered what would be the best way of dealing with students who constantly have excuses for incomplete assignments etc and how to determine if they are telling the truth or fabricating excuses. I appreciated the point that it is better to give the benefit of the doubt because it would be worse to deny accomidation to a student in genuine need then to allow accomidation to a student that is making excuses. That kind of behaviour will not serve them in the work place and will eventually cause them issues that they will need to be accountable for.
I really like the idea of meeting with an unengaged student and asking them if they have suggestions for making class more interesting or effective.
Knowing how to control the students and encourage them to move past the issues is a key skill for a teacher.
Getting to know your students and asking question will allow you to identify ways of better assisting your students when issues arise or when they have concerns.
This topic emphasized the importance of understanding and managing challenging student behaviors in a constructive way. I learned that effective instructors should approach difficult situations with patience, empathy, and professionalism while maintaining clear classroom expectations. Rather than focusing only on the behavior, it is important to recognize possible factors influencing a student’s actions and provide appropriate guidance and support. I plan to use active listening, open communication, and consistent feedback when addressing challenges. In nursing education, I will strive to create a respectful learning environment that encourages accountability, growth, confidence, and professional development.
Make sure you take steps to look out for ways to get quiet students involved, and make sure that you make efforts to ensure that "center stage students" don't take over.
Understanding the various types of students within each class should be the instructors first priority to allow for a tailored experience for all students.
I have learned to Stay Calm and avoid arguing or reacting emotionally, and listen to the students' concerns and try to understand the cause of the behavior
Challenging behaviors often have underlying causes and it is important to respond with consistency, empathy, and clear expectations rather than reacting emotionally . Building positive relationships and addressing behaviors early can prevent many issues from escalating.
an instructor will have various types of students in their class, and it is important to know how to deal with each one
Make every situation into a positive one by leaning towards the strengths and improving on the weaknesses.
Comment on Karen Bridgforth's post: I agree. I have always struggled with the students in the and keeping them engaged. This strategy is an excellent idea.
I've learned to assess what my student needs and adapt to what would benefit their needs.
