Cell Phones (Ringing, Talking, Texting)
• Make clear your policy from the beginning.
• Ask the student to stay after class to discuss the problem.
• Use humor.
Tardiness, Leaving Early, Leaving Class Frequently
• Make clear your policy from the beginning.
• Ask the student to stay after class to discuss the problem.
• Focus on distraction to others and content missed.
• Ask student if there’s a reason (transportation, childcare, etc.).
Inappropriate Chatter
• Casually move toward the talkers.
• Ask (without sarcasm) for their input.
• Call on others near them.
• Make a general statement that you need everyone’s attention.
• Ask the student(s) to stay after class to discuss problems.
Domination of Discussions
• Ask others to “add to Bill’s response.”
• Call on individual students.
• Ask for an answer from another section of the room.
• Talk with the student outside of class, pointing out the importance of letting quieter
students answer.
Shyness/Nonparticipation
• Ask a variety of questions (factual, open-ended, exploratory, etc.).
• Create small groups.
• Draw on students’ individual experiences.
• Provide a writing prompt first, and then ask people to share ideas.
Sleeping
• Stand near the student.
• Talk with the student outside of class to determine what’s causing the problem. Arguing/Whining/Being Negative
• Remain calm and professional.
• Acknowledge the student’s feelings.
• Ask the student to explain, support his/her argument.
• Point out that the work is required.
• Mention that you’ll think about, look into complaints.
• Speak to the student outside of class.
Disrespect
• Stay calm; keep in mind that the student may have other issues.
• Talk very quietly to the student.
• Tell the student you will be happy to talk after class.
• Give the student a way to back down without losing face.