Dealing with Disruptive Students
Classroom management issues, and feeling inadequate to manage these issues, rank as
one of the most common concerns for instructors, especially those new to teaching. The
good news is that most students do come to school to learn and do behave appropriately
most of the time. The bad news is that it only takes one or two disruptive students to set
the tone for a negative class.
Many of our current students are used to less discipline, less formal standards and more
social interaction than previous generations of students. Probably because they have
been exposed to so much electronic media, they appear to have shorter attention spans
and lower tolerance for boredom. These may be some of the reasons we are seeing more
disruptive behavior in classrooms than we did 10 years ago.
Disruption can range from annoying behaviors such as coming late for class or chatting
with another student during lectures, to serious behaviors such as threats or harassment.
Any student who interferes with the learning of others is being disruptive and it is the
responsibility of the instructor to manage this. NAIT’s current Student Code of Conduct
outlines behaviors that are considered unacceptable, however does not give specific detail
to instructors or program heads in terms of how to deal with various levels of disruption.
A quick search on the internet shows that behavioral problems are not specific to NAIT.
Many institutions, like NAIT, are looking at setting well-defined behavioral guidelines.
Hopefully we can graduate students who have more than just the technical skills
necessary to succeed on the job. While we take for granted that students will come into
NAIT knowing how to behave appropriately, communicate respectfully and be able to
handle negative and positive feedback, many instructors tell us that this is not the case.
We can’t assume that appropriate behavior is just common sense. Leading by example
and making expectations clear will hopefully get through to most students.
As counsellors we often get asked about classroom management issues. Some general
guidelines include:
Define guidelines for the class early in the semester. Set ground rules for tardiness,
talking in class and attendance. In a previous article we noted how this is best done in the
first class, and in conjunction with the students. Don’t set rules that you aren’t going to
enforce, however starting off with clear guidelines can circumvent problems later.
Be consistent. Consistency in following through with consequences is one of the key
factors in improving classroom management. Say what you mean, mean what you say
and follow through. You have the right to ask any student who is creating a disturbance
to leave your classroom.
Role model good behavior. Start classes on time, be organized and well prepared, and
speak respectfully to students. Ask yourself whether you would like to sit through one of
your own lectures, and if you wouldn’t how could you make the material more
meaningful and interesting.
Deal with inappropriate behavior as soon as it occurs. If talking during lectures is
disrupting your classroom then don’t tolerate it. Stop teaching until the room is quiet,
stand near the offenders when lecturing, ask if the offending student has a question, or
give a single warning and then ask the disruptive student(s) to leave the class.
Get to know your students, show concern for your students, but do not try to be buddies
with your students. This is not an equal relationship, and it is difficult to be objective
about marking or dealing with behavioral concerns if you are trying to be friends. In the
long run instructors who socialize and try to fit in with their students often lose students’
respect.
The Human Touch – being fair and recognizing that life happens and students may not
have the support or role models at home for dealing with stress and crises, and that
everyone has different thresholds for stress, is very important to our students. Just being
willing to listen can help a lot.
The NAIT Student Code of Conduct clearly states that fighting will not be tolerated, and
that students will be suspended and may be expelled after any incidents. Any student
who displays violent or threatening behavior should be dealt with immediately. Call
security if necessary. This student should not be allowed to return to class without clear
expectations in place, advisedly in the form of a Behavioral Contract. Document the
behavior. If you are unsure whether an individual is a risk call Student Counselling for
advice.
There should also be zero tolerance for any form of violence, harassment, intimidation, or
discrimination against race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Students should be
spoken to in private if any of these behaviors occur. All incidents of inappropriate
behavior should be documented in writing, and serious incidents should be discussed
with the program head. The student should receive a warning letter that no further
incidents will be tolerated, and/or sign a behavioral contract specifying the expected
behaviors, and the consequences for any further infringements.
While disruptive students are going to be part of life for instructors, taking firm,
consistent and immediate action to deal with unruly behavior should make the classroom
a more pleasant and productive place for everyone. All students should have the freedom
to learn, and all humans (even instructors!) have the right to be treated with respect and
dignity.
(article by Margaret Marean as printed in the NASA Intercom, April 2005. Margaret can
be contacted at mmarean@nait.ca)