Dealing with difficult students in the classroom

For a teacher dealing with difficult students in a class can be a very frustrating and trying experience .

Teaching should be fun but on days when your difficult students are in attendance it can make the day seem very long.

It is easy to make mistakes when you are under pressure.The list below contains valuable tips that will help a teacher deal with the disruption that these kids can cause and help you to work with the students to change them into valued class members.

Arguing does not work

When a teacher argues openly with a student it means you are putting them on an equal footing.If you allow this then it gives other students ideas and opportunity to argue with any decision .

Never yell or scold, be a role model

If you yell at a difficult student then you are indicating that you have lost control . If you think you are reaching boiling point then rather remove the student from the area. For example to a desk in the hallway .If you as their teacher keeps calm in a situation you are teaching difficult students the correct way to behave.

Don’t ever hold a grudge .

Each day must be taken as a new day .The difficult student with whom you had an issue with yesterday must know that they start with a clean slate this day. Always smile and say hello and let them know you are happy to see them. You are the teacher and adult; you are expected to rise above any pettiness.

Do not ignore any misbehavior .

Whilst it might be tempting to avoid confrontation, remember that if you ignore difficult behavior the other students will notice. Follow your classroom management rules plan .If a difficult student breaks the rule no matter if it seems small, you must enforce the plan immediately.The students will learn that they will always have to deal with the consequences of any misbehavior .

Reward Acceptable Behavior

When a student that has not been behaving well sees other students who have been rewarded for that, they may think before acting out again. Particularly for younger students an example like a daily star chart can help students track how they are behaving during that day and if need be adjust so that they too can gain from a reward.

 False Praise .

Be careful that you do not give the student who has been difficult false praise for something which is normally expected. Rather give meaningful praise when it is genuinely due .

Communicate with Parents

Find ways to communicate regularly with parents . It may be that you will discover that a difficult child acts that way because they are never set any boundaries at home . If you can meet and discuss difficult students with their parents it may give you an insight into how to deal with situations as they arise.

In the end it important to remember that a teacher needs to build a relationship with their students even more so with the difficult ones. Persevere and be consistent and hopefully soon you will have a peaceful attentive class.

Let us know if you have any more tips on dealing with difficult students in your classroom.