Problem students or students with problem

September 22, 2019 Educator's Corner

We usually call students who misbehave as problem students. They are those who spoil our day through their annoying attitudes. When we look at both sides of the coin, we are being judgmental sometimes. I say they are students with problem because they will not cause us any problems without any reasons.
According to Willbert McKeachie’s “Teaching Tips” to some of the common problems encountered by teachers and how we can manage them properly.

1. The Silent Students, these are the shy students who hardly talk or participate in class activities and recitations. We can help them by knowing their interests and special experiences so we would know how to deal with them.
2. The Attention Seekers, students who dominate class discussions but without any sense. They show off during discussions, which annoy and disturb class discussion. The best way to address this is by assigning them as leaders or giving them special and additional task related to the topic.
3. The Angry, Aggressive and Challenging Ones, they attack us by asking questions not related to the topic and challenges us if we really know what we are teaching. Showing them our superiority in the right way and reminding them that we are teachers would give them a second thought.
4. The Flatterers, the Disciple or Pet-like, strategy used by students to get better grades or get exempted from deadlines. Let us not allow them to manipulate us. But if we are firm and consistent about our rules, then it or not a problem. We would change the rules unless we are willing to change it for everybody.
5. The Inattentive Students, students who sleep in class, keeps on going out or standing, using gadgets, talkative ones and noisy learners. Catching their attention and giving extra work for them introducing new techniques would help.
6. And lastly The Unprepared Students, or those who don’t do their homework or fail in quizzes. Giving proper instructions and explaining the reasons of the task might help. Announcing quizzes might give the time to prepare. This can even nurture in them the habit of reading.

Let’s help this students, the future is bright for them. Who knows we might need their help later on.
 
Francis Lee N. Dumanas
Baguio City National High School