My most challenging students are those who are not paying attention because they do not want to be in my orientation. They will either be talking loudly to others and disturbing the rest of the class or joking around and making distruptive comments. My most effective method of working with them is first to remind them that the orientation is important and can effect their graduation if they do not pass the quiz given at the end because I will not sign off until they pass. Then I either involve them by asking them and others in class questions about what I am lecturing about. I also give the students a sheet with questions on it that will be answered in the lecture and ask them to take notes during the lecture to be used to answer the the questions on the quiz.
My most challenging students were those who came into the class initially and thought that they knew everything. They had a chip on their shoulder for whatever reason and they loved to say, "I don't know why I am here, I don't need to be here, I already know all of this, but if I want to get a job in the Medical Assisting field I have to have a certificate showing I completing this training program."
Over the years, I myself evolved in how to handle them. In my first few years of teaching I would get irritated and defensive but then I gradually learned to let them say their piece because usually they were pretty insecure and wanted everyone to think that they were the best. Then I would let them know that I would be happy to learn from them if they found they had pertinent information to share with the class but that we would have to discuss comments with me before they were made in class and got the other students all riled up.
It seemed that once they had this acknowledgement from me that I respected the validity of what they had to say, they calmed down and for the most part let me do the teaching. So whether or not they truly knew the material, they felt safe in the fact that their teacher was aware that they just might know what they were talking about.
Some student just give up when it gets hard. I often put them in a group that will help them and have them talk to someones else that is not directly related to the course.
Hi Carmen,
You are certainly kind to give these unmotivated students a talking to before reprimanding them. Some instructors will simply remove them from the room to teach them a lesson.
Patricia Scales
Hi Lisa,
Super way to handle this type of student. You handle it with great professionalism and tact.
Patricia Scales
My most challenging students are 2 kinds: those that expect the material to be easy because other classes were easy; these students don't read their textbooks and don't prepare for class or tests. Some get over this stage, but others fail.
The other challenge I have encountered are the students who expect to learn difficult material in a short time -- and because of their personal lives and commitments there -- do not have time to study outside of what is covered in class. Some of these students do well but it requires extra tutoring help from me, and/or a change in their commitment to their education. Sometimes, students drop out because of finances, lack of time, lack of transportation, etc.
My challenging students are often (not always!) the youngest ones in class. The ages range from late teens through 60. What I have done is have them assist me with a specific task having to do with setting up a demonstration, for example. Giving them some responsibility and at the same time working with me as almost an assistant once in a while seems to give them a reason for being in class.
I would place challenging students in two primary categories. The first would be the ones who are sure they are going to fail and work to become a self-fulfilling prophecy and the second are the ones who are so overly confident that they don't see the course as being useful in their field. I basically address both in the same way--individual attention. Students who are lacking confidence often benefit from being praised for anything they do correctly. I do this both in class and in commentary on papers. The ones who are at the other extreme need to be reminded that everyone can learn something new. Finding ways to relate the course materials directly to their program of study helps to make the information presented and the time in the classroom more worthwhile for these students.
Hi Judith,
We have our share our challenging students. We have to help them take responsibility and be there for them when they need us.
Patricia Scales
Those that play the con game, usually never buy the textbook, does not know what is the topic, spends a lot of time whining about the work, and constantly bothers other students to find out what's going on.
I usually have a one on one with thwm to let them know what I see and what will be the outcome if they do not change their approach to the course.
Leon Guendoo
Some of my most challenging students are the ones fresh out of high school. These are the students that have the 'Hovering' parents that are afraid to cut the apron strings. I have actually had a student bring her mother to school to complain about a grade she received for failing to complete a lab.
I have had students who identify themselves as ADHD, bipolar, or dealing with some other impedement to learning. While I understand that these are real issues, I try not to allow them to use the issue as an excuse. Having a severe hearing loss, myself, I can relate in some degree to those students, and use that to encourage them to work through the issues, not give in to them.
I HAVE A STUDENT WHO IS NOT ENGAGED, CHALLENGES CONTENT AND HAS ALIENATED HERSELF FROM THE REST OF THE COHORT/PEERS. hER GRADES ARE BELOW AVERAGE AND SHE IS NON-PARTICIPORY IN STUDY GROUPS. SHE CONSISTENTLY REQUIRES REPETITION IN DIRECTION GIVEN.IN SPEAKING WITH HER TO PROVIDE ENCOURAGEMENT SHE STATES SHE HAS NO DESIRE TO INTERACT WITH THE OTHER STUDENTS.
THEREFORE THE OTHER STUDENTS HAVE DIFFICULTIES INCLUDING HER IN ACTIVITIES ALTHOUGH WHEN i SPECIFICALLY REQUEST ONE OF THEM TO TAKE HER "UNDER THEIR WING' THEY ARE AGREEABLE YET SHE IS RESISTANT.
HOW CAN I INSPIRE HER TO BE PART OF THE PROCESS AND EXTEND HERSELF TO HER PEERS?
Hi Elizabeth,
I sounds like you have done as much encouraging as you can. If there is staff/faculty who has a good rapport with her have one of them talk to her. Keep trying!
Patricia Scales
Patricia,
I've had a few difficult students so far, ranging from completely lacking basic math skills to putting forth no effort or desire to learn, but thankfully none so rough as a student who openly opposes me during class.
A handful of my students entered my class without the basic math skills needed to even understand some of my material. I discovered patience I never knew I had, taking time outside of class to offer one-on-one tutoring to catch them up to speed with the rest of the class. As they grew more confident in their skills I would call on them much more frequently to answer questions during class. The one-on-one mentoring seemed to do them a great deal of good.
When I have a student that appears to be disinterested often I feel that they lack self confidence. I call on them for feedback on a topic then I work through the answer with them and point out that they are learning the topic. I encourage them. It's amazing how well it works.
I agree that meeting a slower learner after class and guiding them to other resources not only shows that I care about them and helps them learn the subject class but also spreads the word among the other students that it's OK to seek extra help.
My most challenging students are the ones that do not complete assignments on time or hand in incomplete work because they know they can "afford it" in regards to their grade. It shows me a lack of ambition. I try to turn this type of behavior around by reminding them about the competiveness of their chosen field and explain how perspective employers demand and hire only the best!
Hi Robert,
Absolutely! The word will spread and students will see that you are there for them.
Patricia Scales
Hi Allen,
Some students are fine just with settling. We have to do as you are doing and try to get them to see that giving their best at all times is important.
Patricia Scales
