I've learned that we will have multiple types of students, not everyone is the same in how they learn and want to learn. So I must adjust accordingly.
As an educator you must try to reach all students but some students can't be reached and you can take steps to remove a student if they become a disruption to the learning environment.
In my class I don't give a written exam, we do a shop clean up as the final for both semesters. It is great for the shop, and wonderful for the students. They don't have t get so nervous about all the electives and our classes as well.
Being aware of students who cheat or don't participate is an important way to prepare for class.
give a cheating student a chance to explain why they felt the need to cheat and dont call them out on it infront of their peers
I have learned the various ways to manage and help students that may have behavior issues or learning problems. I intend to be aware of students that are in need of any of this interaction in any of my classes and to apply the various techniques learned ie: Use a series of test vs one final exam, watching for angry students and Apple polishers and utilizing groups to mitigate some of these behaviors as well as watching for the different ways that students cheat and how to handle it accordingly and ultimately I now know what to look for when a student is disrupting the class to often and to be fair to the other students. This could mean that the disruptive student has to be spoken to often and warned as well as making sure I document about all interventions attempted to have a paper trail to back up my statements in regards to the student and possible discharge from class.
Two other great quotes: "People have a strong gravitational pull toward feeling left out." and "Knowing something and not being able to articulate it is, in a discussion-based setting, the same thing as not knowing it."
Also, clarity in the syllabus and in the rules of the class makes everything easier, including but not limited to instances of cheating.
And important reminder is that the instructor must never submit themselves to the abuse of a student, and should step away if it ever comes to that.
It's important to have an open door policy and create an environment where students feel that your approachable. Also, recognizing when you need to allow a student to vent is important.
if a student cheats, we already have failed. failed to set the tone, failed to set expectations, failed to show consequence.
I often find that the students that are angry are dealing with traumas and situations that we are not privy to. That makes the situation very delicate, but not impossible to conquer. I tend to remove students that provide a disruption that prohibits learning from going forth. I often realize that the other students are watching and if I do nothing to the student with the disruptive behaviors, then it sends a message that they can too. When it comes to cheating and observing students during an exam, I tend to stand at the front of the class with an occasional walk around. The text suggests standing in the back of the room instead. I will be attempting that strategy to see if it makes a difference.
I like the idea for silent students: work groups, student panels, share their experiences and getting to know them. Some silent students are introverts and may thrive better in non-group settings or giving their answers in the forms of writing. I'm interested in more avenues to connect with and assess knowledge of these introverted students.
I appreciated the insight in allowing a space for anger to be vented by using writing, either the student or the teacher. It slows down the situation.
Trust your gut. Collect sufficient evidence and keep track of the evidences, encounters, as well as stick to the policies.
Listening is key to understanding challenging students.
As an instructor, it is important to lay the foundation of your expectations at the start of the course so students know what is expected. Within each class there will be a diverse group of students and it is important to be fair and not give preferential treatment to certain ones.
I like the idea of taking notes when a student has a complaint. It would make them feel that they're being listened to and take seriously, as well as documenting the interaction should further steps be necessary.
At my institution we have set guidelines in place for students who can be disruptive. We have guidelines in place for cheating and other violations. Each phase we outline these guidelines so that the students have a good understanding of expectations. This seems to deter most from pushing the boundaries of the instructor and keeps them focused on learning the course curriculum.
Exploring the various techniques designed to combat cheating and manage dishonest behavior among students is truly fascinating. It’s enlightening to discover the different strategies that educators can employ to identify and address cheaters effectively. Additionally, gaining insights into how to recognize and handle challenging students who may disrupt the learning environment is invaluable. Understanding these dynamics not only helps maintain academic integrity but also fosters a more positive atmosphere for all learners involved. The knowledge gained from these approaches equips educators with the tools necessary to create a fair and supportive educational experience for every student.
