Most of us have policies for our classrooms--we expect our students to attend, to be on time, to turn in assignments when due, to turn off cell phones while in class, etc. However, there seems to be a tendency by some to ignore bad behavior from students, to not follow up and enforce these policies.
Why do professors ignore undesired behavior by their students?
1. Lack of training: We haven’t been taught the skills necessary to handle behavioral issues.
2. Fear: We're not sure that the administration will support our actions when the student goes to them to complain.
3. Feeling that we are the only one: Other professors don’t seem to care if students are sleeping in class or coming to class tardy.
4. Guilt: “How can I discipline someone else when I did the same thing when I was a student?”
5. Loss of status: We don’t want others to know we are having problems controlling our classroom.
6. Time loss: It takes time to discuss behavioral issues with students.
7. Loss of temper: We're afraid of getting angry or upset when confronting a student. Or that the student will get angry or violent with us.
8. Rationalization: The student knows to come to class on time so why do we need to talk about it?
9. Loss of friendship: We want our students to like us.
However, once most students understand what is required in the class, they can usually be counted on to meet your expectations. Following your own policies is how you reinforce those expectations. I tell my students that just as managers can't make their employees do anything in the workplace, I can't make them come to class every day or on time. But just like a manager, I can set consequences. And I do this because I want to role model the types of behaviors that will enable them to be successful.
Be sure to be consistent in enforcing your policies. A few reminders would be appropriate. The first couple weeks of classes, I would pull any tardy student aside after class and ask the student if he/she knows what the policy is on tardiness and “remind” them that coming to class on time is part of the requirements of the class. Keep in mind that if students come in late and you don't address this (either at that moment or after class), you have essentially said the behavior is ok.
What's your excuse for ignoring your students' bad behavior?
technorati tags: Classroom management difficult students class policies Credibility Teaching effectiveness
As you said, there are no good excuses for bad behavior. Students perform to the lowest expectations; that's why I start each semester with the statement, "I hold you responsible for all the math you've ever had." I quickly learn which students are more interested in receiving credit and which ones are there to gain knowledge.
I appreciate your work in this area. We need more educators like you at Drake!
Posted by: Patsy Fagan | May 28, 2006 at 07:23 PM