Effective Classroom Management Tips
How to Handle Challenging Individuals in the Classroom
Oct 26, 2009
A difficult student in the classroom can pose a challenge to both the instructor and the participants. For many people learning a new skill, concept or task can be an uncomfortable experience. As a result, individuals who feel that they are stepping outside of their comfort zone will sometimes behave in an inappropriate or unacceptable manner.
There are a variety of strategies that an instructor can employ when teaching a class to reduce the chance of having a student act out in a disruptive manner and effectively manage the class.
Classroom Management – Setting the Tone of the Class
Effective classroom management begins on the first day of class. When an instructor meets the class for the first time it is important for him/her to be proactive and set the appropriate tone for the class.
- Greet each participant on the first day of the class to get to know each student and create a positive and encouraging environment for each student.
- Allow participants to get to know each other by incorporating an ice breaker activity into the first-day of the curriculum.
- Ask each participant what they expect to learn or what they would like to learn.
- Have each participant create a name tag and place it in front of them during class. This will allow the instructor and the students to get to know everyone’s name.
- Create “House Rules” on a poster. Have the participants create house rule and include things such as “Do not interrupt others when they are talking”, “Turn off cell phones when entering the classroom”, “Work as a team and help each other during class” etc.
Creating a positive and comfortable learning environment for students will encourage students to learn something new without feeling exposed, embarrassed or uncomfortable. When students feel comfortable with the instructor and other participants they will demonstrate a willingness to learn something new and the ability work with others as a team.
Effective Classroom Management – Instructor Confidence and Experience
An instructor’s level of confidence will directly impact his/her ability to deal with and manage difficult or challenging students. When an instructor lacks confidence or experience certain individuals will pick up on it and begin to create problems in the classroom.
The problems could range from bullying or disrespecting the instructor by displaying combative, manipulative or belligerent behavior to heckling the instructor as they train the class. The disruptive behavior can occur as quiet whispers to other students or as loud and direct comments spoken to the instructor.
An instructor who has confidence can quickly control the situation by pulling the student aside and providing direct feedback or by questioning the student’s conduct professionally in front of the class.
- Do not provide feedback to a student alone. Ask another instructor to be present for a feedback session.
- Address student behavior in a factual manner and base feedback on facts and specific observables.
- Instructors should be prepared for every class and have a solid knowledge of the curriculum and course material to create and maintain a high confidence level in the classroom.
An inexperienced or new instructor should always have a support system or buddy system in place so that he/she is given guidance on how to handle the class or to have another instructor present when providing feedback to a student.
It is not always advisable to provide feedback to the student alone in case the student becomes aggressive or decides to file an official complaint against the instructor. Providing feedback alone could create a he-said/she-said scenario where the student can make false accusations against the instructor.
Classroom Management – Dealing With Difficult Behavior
When a participant behaves in a difficult manner it is important for the instructor to assess and resolve the situation immediately.
Ignoring disruptive or inappropriate behavior sends a message to the class and the student that the behavior is acceptable and can continue. As a result, more students conduct themselves in an inappropriate manner and the class as a whole will become unmanageable.
- Address each situation as it arises by speaking to the student to correct the inappropriate behavior.
- Tell the student the behavior that was observed, back up the feedback with specific facts, tell the student how he/she should be behaving and advise the student of possible ramifications if the behavior continues in the classroom.
- Address the student during a break, after class or in front of the class depending on the situation.
- When a situation occurs and the decision is made to address the student at a later time in the day the instructor should refocus the attention of the class to the relevant topic and continue teaching the class.
- Make it a priority to maintain the student’s dignity when addressing inappropriate behavior. An instructor should never purposely embarrass or humiliate a student as it will impact the instructor’s reputation and integrity.
Managing challenging behavior on a regular basis and in a professional manner will ensure that the class remains on track and focused on the material that needs to be covered.
It is imperative for an instructor to address behavioral issues in the classroom in order to maintain control of the class and to create an effective and comfortable learning environment for all the students.
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