How do you deal with a problem student? 5 tips that might help

Photograph: from pixabay.com

by  PublicDomainPictures

There are times when you meet a class for the first time and you immediately become aware of a student with ‘attitude’ … to put it politely.  You can almost hear the theme tune to the Omen films in the background as the student looks on in a sometimes condescending manner, slouched in their seat while using their mobile phone.  You might notice that the other students try to avoid the problem student – this may indicate that the student has an issue with everyone, not just you, and is something which is important to remember.  Here are five tips that might help you deal with ‘demon in the classroom’:

1   Be firm but fair

However infuriating the student might be, try to treat him or her in the same firm but fair way that you treat the others.  Don’t give their behaviour ‘the oxygen’ they sometimes crave i.e. that extra attention that singles them out in the class.  Try to deal with them with the minimal disruption to the lesson, but in a firm and fair way;

2   Try to connect with the student

Is there a topic that engages the student?  Ask other teachers how they keep that particular student interested in a lesson.  You could try and ask the student after a class if there is anything wrong or if they need help with a particular aspect of English; but if you do, make sure the classroom door remains open so the student can’t fabricate a story to try and land you in trouble;

3   Don’t lose your temper

It’s easier said than done with some students, but if you lose your temper, they’ve achieved their goal – don’t give them the satisfaction; if you do,  they’ll try harder to wind you up in class to get the same response.  If it’s getting to the point where you are on the verge of ‘losing it’ with the student, talk to your head of department about it and start keeping a log.  When a student sees that you are writing something about them in your file (if they ask what you are writing, I find that psychologically it has more impact if you don’t tell them) it can cause them to doubt whether their behaviour is worth the possible trouble they might be getting into;

4   Move the student

Move the student to the front of the class and either next to someone who is unlikely to respond to the bad behaviour or to an isolated desk;

5   Accept that with some students there is nothing you can do

Fight the battles you can win – don’t waste your time (in and out of class) trying to think of ways to deal with the student.  You often hear it being said that 10% of a class require 90% of your time – don’t let it be the case when it concerns students with bad behaviour.  By all means spend some time trying to get the student involved and behaving appropriately, but don’t give them any more attention than those good, hard-working students who are a pleasure to teach and deserve your time.

If you have any suggestions on how to deal with problem students, we’d love to hear them.  Good luck! 

By Dave

Photograph: from pixabay.com, by PublicDomainPictures