Dealing with Challenging Students in a Classroom: Tips and Body Language.
Remember that whatever the behavior, each student should be treated with respect and patience. Never assume you know students intentions.
Talkative or Monopolizing
- Take the discussion back to the rest of the class
- “You’ve raised an interesting point, maybe others would like to comment on that.”
- “Who else had a similar question?” or “how many of you agree with this point of view?”
- Body Language: Direct your gaze at other students and move your body towards them, away from the talkative students – stating you will now be listening to others.
Distracting Behaviour– Questions and comments that have nothing to do with the material being discussed.
- You can try to redirect the conversation – “That is interesting, but not directly related to our current topic so, we will save that for later.”
- You can talk to the student after class “That idea deserves a lot more time, perhaps we can discuss that after class.”
- Body language: you should turn away from the student towards the rest of the class while changing the topic.
Upset or Angry Behaviour
- Try to diffuse the situation by listening respectfully, acknowledging that they may be correct and stating your position calmly.
- If the situation applies to others.
- Risky at times- involve other students- If there are a few students that are angry, the situation might roller coaster out of control.
- I prefer to listen to the student, acknowledge and inform him/her that you’ll discuss this with other students after class and we can come to a decision in the next session. By that time the angry students are less emotional, you have a better understanding of how other students feel in a more anonymous setting.
- If you are at fault, admit your mistake and indicate your eagerness to resolve it as quickly as possible. If you are having a hard time admitting your mistake to a class full of students – ask the student to see you after class – “I would like to talk to you about this after class – would that be Ok?”
Rude or Disruptive Behaviour
- Prevention – make it clear from the first class what types of behavior are and are not acceptable, and the consequences if expectations are not followed. This advice, although is completely rational – has not always worked for me in the past. I find that the students close up and then it becomes very difficult to bring them out of their shell. So now, I postpone this discussion for after the class interactions start flourishing unless I observe someone crossing a line.
- Body Language: I generally smile and use the politest tone and shake my head – this generally gets others to shake their heads in agreement. Students also want to be in a friendly environment.
- Dealing with it as it happens: As soon as a situation presents itself, you should deal with it. You can decide if you should deal with them in class or at another time. Be firm. Remain calm. Be respectful – don’t assume you know the intentions. Don’t use empty threats.
- Body Language: Be as still as you can to convey the seriousness of the situation.
- Prevention – make it clear from the first class what types of behavior are and are not acceptable, and the consequences if expectations are not followed. This advice, although is completely rational – has not always worked for me in the past. I find that the students close up and then it becomes very difficult to bring them out of their shell. So now, I postpone this discussion for after the class interactions start flourishing unless I observe someone crossing a line.
