Professor Paula Thonney (Brookdale Community College) shared with me the following example of how she dealt with a difficult student:
"I had a student who had a bad attitude in class and was extremely hostile toward me. I finally confronted her (later than I should have) and asked her to talk to me outside. I think she was expecting to get thoroughly scolded. I remained very calm and simply stated: “You seem very frustrated. What is bothering you?” She told me that she felt that the class was too easy for her, and that it was annoying to have to sit through it. I told her that I would be happy if she took the placement test again and tried to test out of the class. But I also told her firmly that the negative and disrespectful attitude was inappropriate and had to stop. I told her that if she continued to be in my class, that she had to participate courteously. I had to talk to her one more time after that, but I feel that talking to her as an adult and acknowledging her feelings were important—it surprised her and in some way earned me some respect."
I find talking one on one with a student who is being disruptive in class works wonders. The student then knows you are aware of the behavior and is more likely to stop as long as you discuss the issue with him/her calmly and with respect. Otherwise, the student is likely to continue to "push the envelope" to see how much he/she can get away with.
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