Handling Difficult Students in the Classroom NovaQuest International School Teacher Training Program
NovaQuest International School; 12 F.C.C. Maratab Ali Road, Lahore, Pakistan. Phone: 042-577-804, 807
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Series on “Handling Difficult Students in the Classroom� After conducting a survey of approximately 300 Schools and Teachers in these Schools, a list was compiled to determine what behaviors were causing anxiety to teachers and distracting classroom teaching. The lecture covers one such behavior: NovaQuest International School; 12 F.C.C. Maratab Ali Road, Lahore, Pakistan. Phone: 042-577-804, 807
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33. The Student Who
Steals
Aurangzeb Bhatti NovaQuest International School
NovaQuest International School; 12 F.C.C. Maratab Ali Road, Lahore, Pakistan. Phone: 042-577-804, 807
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The Arguer
Some children seem to enjoy arguing; they criticize your decisions, challenge your answers, and question your directions. Children argue not just because they have a gripe, but also because of what they hope to gain from their arguing, namely attention and power. If you have an argumentative student, you can find yourself spending considerable time debating, justifying, and explaining. This might divert you from your lessons and encourage the arguer's classmates to engage in similar behavior.
NovaQuest International School; 12 F.C.C. Maratab Ali Road, Lahore, Pakistan. 4 Phone:
The Arguer ď Ž
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The problem is not that a student is challenging a teacher. An important goal of education, after all, is to help students become independent thinkers. The problem is a child who challenges his/her teachers in an inappropriate manner. Your goal in working with an argumentative student, therefore, is not to stifle the expression of opinions, but to help him/her learn to convey those opinions in an appropriate and respectful manner.
NovaQuest International School; 12 F.C.C. Maratab Ali Road, Lahore, Pakistan. 5 Phone:
WHAT YOU CAN DO Tips for Managing “The Arguer”
NovaQuest International School; 12 F.C.C. Maratab Ali Road, Lahore, Pakistan. Phone: 042-577-804, 807
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The Arguer
Don't take the bait. The argumentative student wants to elicit a response from you, either by engaging you in debate or by upsetting you. Neither of those reactions, therefore, will change their behavior. Respond instead in a matter-of-fact manner, perhaps saying something like “Ali, I'm sorry you feel that way." Then return to what you were doing without giving him an audience.
NovaQuest International School; 12 F.C.C. Maratab Ali Road, Lahore, Pakistan. 7 Phone:
The Arguer
Give a brief lesson in communication skills. The first few times the student argues with you, help him/her see that they can make their ‘point’ in another way. You might consider saying something like, “Saima, you don't need to argue or speak disrespectfully to get your point across. If you state your point in a pleasant, respectful manner, you have a better chance of being heard." You might suggest an alternative way to state their opinion. Let them know privately that their arguing can be unpleasant to listen to and that other students might avoid them if they continue to express themselves in that way.
NovaQuest International School; 12 F.C.C. Maratab Ali Road, Lahore, Pakistan. 8 Phone:
The Arguer
Help the student become more aware when she is arguing. Arguing could be so second nature to the student that he/she doesn't even realize they are doing it. Try establishing a private signal you can use to cue them when they are being argumentative. The signal might be as simple as getting their attention and touching your lips with your finger.
NovaQuest International School; 12 F.C.C. Maratab Ali Road, Lahore, Pakistan. 9 Phone:
The Arguer
Encourage the student to put their argument in writing. Ask
him/her to write down their thoughts on paper and leave them on your desk. Tell them you will get back to them within a day or two. Make sure to follow up with the student even if you think their point is without merit.
NovaQuest International School; 12 F.C.C. Maratab Ali Road, Lahore, Pakistan. 10 Phone:
The Arguer ď Ž
Make time during the day to hear her argument. Tell the student you are
interested in hearing their concerns, but that class time is not the right time to do so. ď Ž
Ask him/her to see you either before or after school to discuss the issue.
NovaQuest International School; 12 F.C.C. Maratab Ali Road, Lahore, Pakistan. 11 Phone:
The Arguer Let them know that you will listen attentively to their argument as long as they speak in a calm and respectful manner, and that you expect them to extend that same courtesy to you. You should always try to set a “time limit” for the discussion.
NovaQuest International School; 12 F.C.C. Maratab Ali Road, Lahore, Pakistan. 12 Phone:
Thank You
Aurangzeb Bhatti NovaQuest International School
NovaQuest International School; 12 F.C.C. Maratab Ali Road, Lahore, Pakistan. Phone: 042-577-804, 807
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