How Can I Control Troublesome Students?

Teaching can be a difficult profession especially when your class has a few troublesome students that cause other students to suffer. So, how can you try and manage these troublesome students and make the class an effective learning atmosphere?

With time, effort and a few tried and tested methods you can transform your troublesome classroom into a more disciplined and pleasant atmosphere for all your students.

Understand Your Students

In order to change the behaviour of a troublesome student you must first understand their backgrounds. Identifying the student’s home life and environment can help you gather information about the particular individual. Getting to know your troublesome student will allow you to connect with them, which will in turn uncover areas you need to work on. The best way to do this is through contacting their parents and discussing the student with them. They may have a better understanding of why the student is disruptive and will possibly give you important information that can assist in changing the behaviour of the student. Working with the parents will also help the situation and planning specific objectives for the student will mean that the student will be getting effective support both at school and at home.

Get to Know Them

Discovering your troublesome students likes, talents and interests can help you connect with that student. You can direct the lesson at the troublesome student without them knowing by studying a book they enjoy or activity they are interested in. This should gain the interest of the student and encourage them to participate in the lesson without disrupting the class.

Set Small Goals

A troublesome student is often reaching out for help and guidance and their frustration often results in lashing out and behaving disruptively. One way to act on this is to set the student small simple goals that they can achieve and to reward them when they successfully complete a goal. Rewarding the student should slowly gain the trust of the student and when they achieve their set goals the student’s confidence will begin to grow, which in-turn should diminish disruptive behaviour. They will begin to believe in themselves and achieving more and more goals will seem easier and eventually become an enjoyable experience.

Be Considerate But Firm

When it comes to actually dealing with the student you need to respond with consideration, compassion, encouragement and firmness. This can be difficult to express but keeping calm and understanding your student’s responses you should be able to gain their respect. When the student acts inappropriately or disruptively, make sure you react suitably. Do not take the students action or phrase personally and realise they are lashing out to gain attention. However, ensure the student understands that their action is wrong and do this with a firm word. Be direct with the student and make them understand that this is not the way to act. Getting the student to be aware of their actions and allowing them to become responsible for their behaviour should slowly discourage the student from behaving this way again.