Handling Problematic Student Behavior

As a teaching assistant and as a faculty member, you will encounter many kinds of troublesome behavior that disrupts the classroom environment and interferes with learning. Students will arrive late to class, and leave early. Cellphones will ring. Some students will make hostile and disrespectful comments to you or to fellow students. In extreme cases, a student might make threats or even subject you to harassment.

Many factors contribute to disruptive student behavior. The Collegiate Development Network has identified a number of contributing factors. These include a consumer mentality that regards faculty members as service providers, rather than authority figures, and which treats education as a credential, rather than a process of discovery. Other contributors include the number of required courses that students must take, which some regard as irrelevant to their career objectives; the impersonality and unresponsiveness of many large universities; and the frustration felt by students heavily burdened by financial and personal stresses.

How might you best respond to disruptive behavior?

1. Don't assume that all students know the basic standards of proper classroom etiquette.

Set clear standards on the first day of class. Spell out the kinds of behavior that you expect: civil, collegial, courteous. Involve your students by asking them to describe the norms for proper classroom behavior.

2. Recognize that an instructor's teaching style, conduct, and inter-personal communication styles can inadvertently contribute disruptive behavior.

Exhibit the kinds of behavior you expect from students. Listen respectfully, use civil language, exhibit respect and understanding, and speak with rather than speak at students.

3. Avoid responding defensively to student comments or behavior.

Acknowledge the student's frustration or disappointment. Help the student understand precisely what it takes to succeed in your class.