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 would you do in this situation? (Warning: strong language)
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)