The most challenging students for me are those dealing with challenges outside of school which overwhelm them at times and affect their course work. I just give the student support, reassurance, and advice while letting them know they still have to find a way to meet the class requirements. I even give examples of challenges I or someone else might have gone through while in school to let them know with hard work and effort it’s possible.
My most challenging students stem from my younger students. I am a younger instructor so I can speak the lingo, but at times they find it difficult when I have to be stern. It was noticeable during my first couple of months. Since then I've made it a point to tell them that I am here to help them succeed and although I can be friendly they shouldn't confuse that with friendship. I feel that now I can still be friendly and have fun when appropriate; however,I am still respected as their instructor.
The most challenging students for me would be those who don't complete their assignments, then don't pay attention in class. I guess it relates to not caring.
Elmer, I couldn't agree more. Being excited about what you teach is a great motivator for a class that could be relatively boring to many students. Sometimes they can't relate to how they would use that material outside the classroom. I try to be enthusiastic about what I'm teaching as well as giving them examples of when they will need the information in their careers.
Hi Marie,
Excitement starts at the top with the instructor. I have a PowerPoint presentation that I show on the first day to let students know how the course will help them in their career.
Patricia Scales
I'm new to teaching secondary level and I've been looking for something interesting to use on the first day. That's a great idea. Thanks.
challenging students normally identify themselves. I have found that intercepting the student early into the school year and trying to engage them on a personal level has been effective for me. It makes them feel that they are a part of your leaning process.
My most challenging students are those who feel their way would be the best for the class to be taught. They don't like the lecture, grades, structure, time, lab, slides, rules...... I find the best practice is to not give to much. These students will soon be challenging anything that is done even if they are met half way. By keeping to my course they become more involved by way of need. They soon realize that they have to be a part of the course or they may not perform as well as they think.
Hi Frank,
Students have to learn that sometimes they have to conform to the way. In life they will quickly realize in the real world they have to learn how to adjust to other people's ways.
Patricia Scales
Fortunately, many of my students are extremely professional and take their course work seriously. I do have a student that likes to disrupt the class and gets aggravated pretty quickly. My strategy with this particular student has been to have conferences with her after class and bring in our DOE for support and so the student can see that we are all trying to support each other.
Hi Sara,
Based on her disruptions, she needs to be reprimanded. It is not fair that others suffer because of her.
Patricia Scales
VA students come from a diferent enviroment and try to be harsh or catch everyones attention.
I have several categories of "challenging" students: The immature, the I-don't-wat-to-be-heres, the ones that the court ordered college or jail, the older student without computer skills, etc. I deal with each of these differently and over the years have found good strategies for each.
Challenging students is definitely something I need to deal with on a daily basis. It was easy to pick them out of the group, but finding a strategy that works for for each of them is the tricky part. Not all students are challenging in the same way. I find that what works for one may not work for the others.
The most challenging students are often transfer students, who feel they already know the content of the course and are far too advanced to be taking the course. I have found it effective to structure assignments geared to their needs that are both challenging and serve as a learning process for them.
My most challenging are the students that work full time and have family then have to come to class 5hrs in the evening, 4 days a week.
Hi VALERIE,
Challening assignments really seem to humble this type of student really fast!
Patricia Scales
Challenging students are immediately evident. How to help them is the issue. Do they lack the basic skills needed? External problems? Lack of confidence or social skills?
Possible ways to help:
1.) Make it clear right away: "Ask questions. That is why you are here. If you need help, ask. Do not wait!". Be available and listen.
2.) Work shoulder-to-shoulder with a student having a hard time. It lets them know you are there to help and can inspire them.
3.) Have them work alongside a good student to gain a new perspective.
4.) Discuss the scope of what it takes to achieve a goal. This is how much work it takes and this is an algorithm for achieving the goal.
5.) For the bored/overachieving student, give a special challenge to inspire them.
6.) For the chatty student, make them a part of a group project. This also provides peer support for struggling students.
It's true for me too and each class is different. It amazes me from year to year. It requires a lot of flexibility.
My most challenging students are those who come to class everyday, never disturb class, but are quick to just quit rather than seek help or ask questions. They seem to feel inferior if they can not understand the information as well as others on the very first attempt. These students are often capable, but require a little more attention.
