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 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)