Conquering Incivility in the College Classroom: No Caution Tape Required TOADN Spring Convention – February 6, 2014

Video 1

Objectives Examine the impact of classroom incivility Analyze two classroom management-based situations Choose strategies for conquering incivility in the college classroom Explore the ways in which instructors might contribute to student incivility

What is Student Incivility? The intentional behavior of students to disrupt or interfere with the teaching and learning process of others. (Morrissette, 2001) What is Incivility? …any action that interferes with a harmonious and cooperative learning atmosphere (Feldman, 2001)

What are some types of student incivility? 1 – Text 2 – Type 3 – Type

Have you encountered a situation of student incivility? If so, what happened? Why do you believe it occurred?

What potentially causes student incivility? Diversity in the student body Size of classes/Large campus Students personal problems – emotional issues/stress/pressure Instructors

Video 2 & Discussion

Video 3 & Discussion

Tips for Classroom Management Pre-semester Inventory: Self-assessment – How do you typically deal with conflict? Dodger Accommodator WelcomerCompromiser Collaborator

Tips for Classroom Management Pre-semester Inventory: Class-Assessment – What specific aspects of your class may lead to student incivility? Teaching controversial/sensitive material Unclear/unrealistic expectations Policies (Grading, Classroom, Homework etc.)

Tips for Classroom Management Pre-semester Inventory: Planning – How will you handle these situations when they occur? A student who dominates class discussions A student who always shows up 20 minutes late A student who dresses inappropriately A student who becomes angry when receiving a grade

Tips for Classroom Management Week One: Build rapport with your students Set a positive tone for the course Discussion on policies and procedures Model proper behavior and communication skills

Tips for Classroom Management When incivility occurs: Dont ignore it – choose your battles wisely Stay calm, analytical, and unemotional (Feldman, 2001) Take action that will avoid poisoning the learning environment Document situations/Make colleagues aware of particularly difficult situations

Video 4

How might you contribute to incivility in the classroom?

Instructors Bothersome Behaviors Missing office hours Ignoring students s Being late to class Lack of preparation/Lack of organization Poor time management Lack of classroom control Disrespecting students/Treating them as unintelligent Not adhering to the syllabus Giving busy assignments Giving non-graded assignments Lack of familiarity with the students Lack of explanation on challenging concepts Poor presentation habits (e.g. too fast-paced, inadequate voice projection, poor handwriting, blocking the board) (Johnston, 2011)

References Anderson, J. A. (1999). Faculty responsibility for promoting conflict-free college classrooms. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 77, Classroom civility. (n.d.). University of California-Santa Cruz Center for Teaching and Learning. Retrieved June 21, 2012, from Feldman, L.J. (2001). Classroom civility is another of our instructor responsibilities. College Teaching, 49 (4), Five styles of conflict resolution. (n.d.). University of Notre Dame. Retrieved June 21, 2012, from resolution-styles/ resolution-styles/ Hara, B. (2011, January 17). Disruptive student behavior: the professor edition. Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved January 20, 2011, from Johnston, K.M. (2011). MSU Teaching Thoughts. Michigan State University Teaching Assistant Programs. Retrieved August 8, 2012, from Lescher, T. (2011). How do I navigate and curb conflict in my classroom? Texas Tech University Teaching, Learning and Professional Development Center. Retrieved June 28, 2012 from Managing classroom conflict. (2004). Center for Faculty Excellence at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Retrieved June 28, 2012, from Morrissette, P.J. (2001). Reducing incivility in the university/college classroom. International Electronic Journal for Leadership in Learning, 5(4). Retrieved from Seven tips on handling classroom distractions. (n.d.). University of South Carolina Center for Teaching Excellence. Retrieved June 21, 2012, from Sorcinelli, M.D. (n.d.). Dealing with troublesome behaviors in the classroom. State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota. Retrieved August 9, 2012, from