Dealing with Disruption

Two Types of “Problem Students” Students WITH problems What kinds of “problems” do students bring with them to our classroom? Students AS problems, or disruptive students What kinds of “problems” can students cause… ….in the classroom? ….outside of the classroom?

What is the relationship between students with “problems” and students who create “problems”? Students’ problems may become class problems Class problems may create student problems

Ethical dilemma: What is your responsibility for dealing with students who have problems? Listener Source of referral Know the available resources TRIAGE

What would you do in this situation? (Warning: strong language) What is your responsibility for dealing with students who create problems in the classroom? What would you do in this situation? (Warning: strong language) To try to PREVENT their problems from affecting your class and you To INTERVENE to stop or prevent further problems

Why should you respond to disruption? Class disruptions affect you and the other students Class disruptions sometimes reflect underlying class problems – find out! Class disruptions or responses to class disruptions may lead to frustration or anger in the student, their peers, or the instructor

Sources of Classroom Incivilities Student’s dislike of a class or teacher Students’ and teachers’ disrespect of each other Teachers’ alienation of students through poor teaching strategies, lack of expectations, or apathy Teachers who fail to deal with class disruptions

Strategies to Prevent Class Disruptions Place all of YOUR important class rules in your syllabus Violations should have stated consequences Model respect and interest in your students Learn names Begin and end class on time Engage the students; use positive motivators Involve students in a discussion of class expectations

Pay attention to class dynamics (body language, comments, grades) and adjust as needed Respond to minor disruptions quickly and politely  be timely Choose a response that is student-friendly Be fair Don’t duck controversy

Listen, and get students to listen to one another Keep your cool Talk to your colleagues Paraphrase, question, summarize (be sure you understand what the student is saying – maybe it came out wrong)

Above all, remember… Teachers can PREVENT and/or REDUCE classroom disruption or incivility by changing their OWN behaviors

If you feel threatened… You do not have to put up with threatening behavior! Keep your cool Do NOT engage in a heated debate with a student in or out of class Humor or active listening can often defuse situations If you cannot defuse the situation, arrange to meet with the student later Have 3rd party present Always have campus police programmed in your phone You are responsible for all students and their well-being

Talk to your Chair/Supervisor… Before a problem becomes serious After any contentious exchange with a student Anytime you need advice Anytime formal proceedings are likely (i.e., a violation of the Student COC)