Dealing with Disruption

1. Dealing with Disruption

2. 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?

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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)

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

12. 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

13. 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)