Get Your Students Hired
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with students that only hear negativity? No matter what I say to this one student, she just shuts down and accuses me of putting her down. She really twists my words around. I don't have this problem with any other student. It is almost to the point where I will just not say anything so that she won't get the wrong idea. She's got plenty of potential, but her attitude is holding her back.
I agree, this will get the problem out in the open one on one and find a possible solution and at the same time take some weight off the students shoulders.
Hi Mark,
What a sad situation with this student that thought she was being singled out instead of seeing an offer of help. Some students never get it no matter what you do. We just need to keep trying because we never know when that offer of help is taken and it makes a difference in the life of that student.
Coming from a background of little formal education in my family having the opportunity to complete high school and go to college was beyond my wildest dreams. So I relished going to school to the point I just kept going until I completed graduate school. I know these students have taken some serious hits in their careers and lives but if they can just see the opportunities that are there for them they can recreate their lives and move forward with their dreams. Again some of them never get there so they miss much joy in their lives.
Gary
Thank you for repeating the responsibility each adult learner has for their own education. As instructors we certainly play a role, but it is ultimately up to the student. I did have a private talk with one student, and she later accused me of singling her out!
I've seen some of the greatest attitude problems in students who are in the program because of external factors (e.g. displaced workers, or required to maintain economic benefits), rather than because this was what they wanted to do.
I think a private conversation needs to be had with this student. You should confront the attitude one one one and give the student the opportunity to explain. It also gives you the opportunity to talk to the student about how their attitude will affect not only the success in class, but the ability to keep a job. No one wants to work with "Negative Nelly".
Hi Donald,
Great story. Always good to the hear stories about how instructors have influenced the lives of students.
Gary
I had a student in my last class who was just angry at that world. I just called on him more than any other student for awnswers, and he enjoyed being a positive part of class. He came to me the last day and thanked me, made me happy to help.
Hi David,
Spoken like a true professional. If we let the negative students get us down then they have deprived the entire class of our excitement and expertise. We just can't let that happen. We need to try and reach them in spite of themselves. Sometimes they come around and realize that we are trying to help them with their career goals.
Gary
Hi. I see this all the time, and you could make the class into the most amazing learning experience the world has ever seen, but some people will always have an attitude about something. The thing is, don't take it personal, you are doing a great job and don't allow one student get you down. Some people will always be pessimistic about something, just be friendly and optimistic and helpful.
Hi Diana,
Good suggestion. Thanks for sharing it with us through the forum. Challenging students are an issue and we need all of the techniques we can find to work with them.
Gary
One method I've used when dealing with others who constantly challenge or criticize is to answer their question with a question. It places the responsibility for their attitude back on them. Something simple, like "why are you asking?" OR "what would you suggest"? Try on those repeat offenders and use only in the most respectful manner. Doesn't always work, but you often get your point across..that they need to take responsibility for their words/actions.
Hi Eduardo,
You use a key word in the teaching process. Understanding. Yes, there are many things that come into the lives of our students and we have to be understanding of how those things are impacting them. We must maintain the instructional level that is required but we can give support that will enable our students to stay in our classes and continue to grow in their career training.
Gary
I agree there is always a reason for having an attitude.ex.a bad day as you wrote finances, relatioships, stress of going to work,and school.So as humans we need to be understaning and helping.It always gose a long way.
Hi Scott,
Good job with the trouble shooting concerning a student that is not doing well in the class or is having a poor attitude. By working through the steps you can see what will work with this individual and then give them the encouragement they need.
Gary
When I get negative attitude I first try talking to the student to see if it's me causing the attitude.If it is not me I get other people involved to try and get the problem solved
I empathize with your situitation and understand the frusturation.
You might attempt to have a private discussion with her to get to the reason as to why she feels this way. Sometimes its just a matter of perception yours vs hers.
If that doesn't resolve the negative nature of the situitation, you may need to write up an advising form so that you have a record of her attitude in class and to protect yourself from future problems ie: litigation and to also have a paper trail of this students behavior for future reference by other instructors.
If all else fails, have her sign out of your class to only be readmitted after discussing the problem with an education manager.
Not only is she impacting your ability to effectivetely teach your classroom, she may also be affecting the ability of other students to learn in your classroom setting.
Phil
Students with attitude are always going to be around. Whether it's a good or bad attitude is the question.
A negative attitude is usually contrived by the student because of things he/she has heard about the class, or instructor, or both. The students have a tendancy to pre-judge the class before they experience any of it. My first day with a new class is all about getting to know them, and letting them know what they will be learning while they are with me. I open it up for questions, and will discuss, at length, anything that pertains to the course material, and what is expected of them, and what they will receive from me.
I don't usually have any "attitudes" once it is clear what is expected, accepted, or not appropriate. If a negative attitude persists, I will have a one-on-one discussion with the student, and if it can't be resolved, I will contact the Ed. Manager to either help me out, or take over.
Hey Deborah,
Why not ask you school's counselor for some advice. Maybe even a session with the parents my guide you in the right direction of understanding.
RW
When ever I have a student with an attidude that persistes, I invite the student out in the hall and ask what is up? Many times they do not mean to disrespect you, they may just be having a bad day.
Jeff