If you are a teacher, you may have surely faced some students that make it difficult for you to deliver your lesson. These problem children generally interrupt your lessons; avoid working on the assigned tasks; refuse to follow instructions; and recoil when you go near them. It is definitely difficult to deal with such students, but not impossible. Check out some ways to handle such difficult students in an effective manner.
Avoid questioning
Generally, teachers ask these difficult students to provide explanations for their behavior. They think that forcing explanations is a form of accountability. However, this often instigates anger in these students that leads to the continuity of their unacceptable behavior in the classroom. Thus, you should avoid forcing questions on these types of problematic students.
Do not argue, lecture or scold
You should also avoid arguing with these difficult students, as they tend to behave on the equal footing. Additionally, this can spark off the same behavior in other students. You are motivating their bad behavior in a way by arguing with them or yelling at them. If you lecture or scold these problem students, it can also cause other students to dislike you. Thus, avoid this at all costs.
Keep yourself cool
Do not keep grudges in your heart and keep yourself cool to deal with problem students. Maintain your emotions and keep them under control if you have to handle these difficult students successfully. Else, your likability in the class can go down and tension may increase. If difficult students find your push buttons, they will keep trying their unacceptable behavior. Thus, you should come every morning with a fresh perspective and treat these students the same way you treat others.
Define student expectations
You should not ignore misbehavior in your classroom. Else, every student who witnesses this type of behavior will try to copy it. To avoid this situation, you should define behavioral expectations from all your students. Enforce some strict rules for any misbehavior you notice in the class that is against your expectations.
Build your relation on common grounds
You may strengthen your relationship with problem students by being on a common ground with them. Find out ways to related with them on a common platform. Check if they are involved in a particular sport or like to play in the music band. Try to look for any such common ground on which you may relate to these difficult students. Having mutually appealing conversation can lead to a better relationship.
