Distracting students
last week i was substituting for another instructor and had the following experience: In a class of 26 students, 3 kept talking, joking and laughing at their own jokes. they were very distracting. one of the oldest students in the class complained about not being able to concentrate and learn in this environment (of course). how would you aproach this situation?
It is` really about isolating the trouble makers talking to them on the side or in private.This is important because it is not highschool. People are paying to attend career colleges it's their investment, no excuses for distractions.
@ellythomas : Dealing with students who are easily distracted is tough. It takes patient and dedication. I deal with them all the time. Adult learners can be eaily distracted too.
Hi Elly,
What I have done in the past is just stop doing whatever it is I am doing whether it's lecturing or demonstrating a competency and basically stare at those who are disruptive. If that doesn' work, then I stop & ask, 'would you care to share your funny moment with the rest of the class. I have also asked them to leave the class & gain their composure in order to return. If all else fails & they refuse to leave class, then call the security guard to escort them out & write them up for unprofessional behavior.
@ellythomas : I would ask the students that were causing the disruption, to step outside the class for a moment and I would have a talk with them about being professional in the class, just as they would be on the job. I would let them know that there is zero tolerance for that behavior. I like to give my other students a friendly reminder that their behavior in class is a direct reflection of what kind of professional they will be. It makes them stop and think. They are in training for the real world while they are in class. Having a mix of ages makes it difficult, I know. But I do believe that the majority is there to learn, and make a better future for themselves. Perhaps a "friendly" reminder to the entire class of why they are there, and what they hope to accomplish with their new education.
I believe confrontation (privately) would probably be the necessary option if you aren't lecturing. However, I make a point to walk towards the disruptive student(s) while lecturing, standing next to them while addressing the class. The conversation always ends because they won't raise their voices above my classroom-projecting voice. Add the fact that they are now theoretically 'in front' of the class with their classmates facing their direction to look at me. I continue for a minute or two then return to the front of the room.
Repeat as necessary. The most I needed to do this was twice in a four-hour lecture.
Of course, one size does not fit all circumstances, but I found this to be the best tactic for me.
John
@ellythomas :
This is an issue that has challenged me as well. I have worked with educators about classroom disruptions and maintaining order in seminar with my private practice. I can share some information.
Just like the stand-up comedian faces hecklers a teacher must from time to time be faced with outbursts, temper-tantrums, disrespect and cries for attention from disruptive students.
I try and make a preventative strike by listing a behavior / conduct code at the first night of class. I explain that I am not just a teacher, I am a trained facilitator. As a facilitator I hold the responsibility to create learning opportunities and an environment that welcomes opportunity.
On the first night I hand out my policy sheet. I disclose my policy for all electronic devices, that no hats or sunglasses may be worn, and that honesty must be maintained.
I am always prepared to “mix things up” so that a group activity or brainstorming session can collect the classroom energy that needs better direction. I begin this by physically moving toward the disruption and asking for input – and acknowledge the input as positive reinforcement.
Also I state what is expected. For example before a video I may say “I will be playing a video in 10-15 minutes. Take care of all of your calls, personal needs etc. It is 40 minutes in length I expect everyone to remain seated for the duration of the video.”
By utilizing a “prevention” mindset distractions are lessened and as a facilitator you appear more organized and in control. I have learned to grow my coping limits and use these opportunities as a mental exercise for my own growth.
I hope that helps!
Kelly
@ellythomas : LOL....this works for me: Stop what you are doing, look directly at them, and ask them if THEY would like to teach the lecture to their classmates or at least shareto their classmates what is so funny. That usually shuts them up.
@@ellythomas I am a teacher of eleven years. What I have found that works best is to stand right beside disruptive or ADD students to keep them on track. Jen Vest
@ellythomas : I have been in this situation a few times during my academic teaching years. My first approach would be to the students who are being disruptive and advise them that their behavior is quite disruptive and also disrespectful. Not to mention unprofessional. If their behavior continues after my first attempt with them, I would then very professionally and quietly ask them to gather their things and leave the classroom for that day. In addition, I would let my Superior know of my actions.
LrL~~
Hi Elly, I think we have all had experiences like that. It is a little more difficult when you are acting as a substitute and you do not know the students. In my ground classes, when that has happened, I start by requesting politely that they quiet down and if they want to engage in private conversations, to please do so outside of the classroom. If it does not abate, I basically tell them to leave the room until they can maintain the appropriate decorum of a college student. The college where I teach fulltime, offers a great deal of support to faculty to deal with disruptive students. They actually encourage you to write the student up for this type of conduct. In the years I have been teaching at the college level, I have written students up only a handful of times.
I hope this helps, Maureen O'Connor
I agree with pulling the student aside and confronting one on one.
Greetings,
I’d try to shift the focus of the class away from the jokesters by first stopping everything and pointing out correct behaviors. Give appreciation to those students that are taking notes and hold up their papers for all to see. Focus on the positives. Reward those that are paying attention. And try to setup a community of healthy choices that are easier to promote than the distracting ones.
Hopefully this helps.
Thanks!
Andrew Joseph Imm
Mathematics, General Education
American InterContinental University
6600 Peachtree Dunwoody Road
500 Embassy Row
Atlanta, GA 30328
404.965.6423
aimm@aiuniv.edu
Also, just stare at them and don't talk. The others will tell the jokesters to be quiet. :)
@ellythomas :For those who are talking and not paying attention, I tell them either have the conversation during break and if it's that important to step out.
@ellythomas :I usually contact the "disruptive" members individually by email and just make some "quiet" suggestions. If the issues continue, I ask the student to call me and then chat privately on the phone. This usually works with no problem.
@ellythomas : Good morning. Unfortunately, distractions come with managing a classroomJ. Dealing with disruptive behavior is a part of the job. Many times in my experience, I too have asked the students firmly but fairly if they would like to share what they are talking about with the rest of the class. I would take that opportunity to gently remind the class that I am in fact the one who has the floor and would appreciate some professionalism and respect from the entire class. I sometimes stop talking, look at the students involved in the distraction, when they notice I am no longer instructing the class, I say.. “let me know when it’s okay for me to continue my lecture or demo” Normally, the students just ahead of themselves and will respectfully apologize and we can continue without incident. If for any reason the situation does not improve, I would give them the opportunity to leave. Many times that would put an end to the joking. If you feel the need to ask the student to leave you can ask them not to return until they have spoken to their program director, then follow up with the PD and instructor you are substituting for. If they refuse to leave, you can ask the class to take a break and ask the student to stay and talk with you. If all else fails you can ask them to be escorted out of the building by the facilities manager. I hope this helps. In health and happiness, Lisa
@ellythomas :
A keyword in your post is that you were "substituting" in a class. Students, who may be less self-regulated than most, may feel having a "substitute teacher" in their classroom opens a new door of opportunity for unbounded behavior. In the context of a substitute teacher, students may engage the idea there are no defined boundaries or guidelines; or for that matter consequences, so they feel empowered to "seize the day." If possible, I would consult the regular teacher on the classroom management guidelines she has in place and make the class immediately aware that I am supporting those same guidelines during the substitution period. I have found it useful to set, and/or modify the "state of the classroom" to a frame of positive reference and introduce myself, explaining my role, what I do in the school context, and assuring them, I am glad to serve as a support and guide during the teaching period. Education literature suggests the most effective way to manage a classroom is to serve as a "guide" for students and engage them in the best way they learn. In the short term, as would be the case with a substitute teacher, the opportunities are more limited. However, moving around the classroom, addressing students by name and making ourselves part of the environment often encourages them; especially those who may be disruptive because they are generally unprepared, and disengaged. Their poor behavior may be their method of accommodation. If so, developing a relationship, even short term, may be a key to success. Dr. Douglas Stewart
@ellythomas : I resently had a similar porblem with my class, I took a chance and called on the person by name, then ask a closed questions based on the informtion I had just covered. The students silence was noted by the class. She appologized for her side conversation, and we moved on. It seemed to work as the entire class was engaged during the remaining time.
@ellythomas :I would talk to the three students about their behavior. Distracting learning is against academic policy which is should be documented in the Student's handbook. It is important to manage the learning environment by addressing this behavior. Thanks,
