When you teach online, you will come across various types of students. There will be many instances of you getting distracted and disturbed in the class while teaching because of some students, or maybe because of their parents too! However, by simply planning and honing certain managerial skills, you will be able to handle them.
Through this article, we will discuss the types of challenging students you might come across while teaching online and the ways to deal with them.
What Makes Students Challenging?
There can be various reasons for this. Some students may not be able to pay attention for a longer period of time and get impatience, some might find the subject boring, some might just want to show off how much they know about the subject, some might not be confident enough, and some might not feel confident using the online classes app. Whatever be the reason, it makes it difficult for the teacher while teach.
However, as a teacher, you must remember that just because a student is creating problems in the smooth functioning of the class, it does not make him a problem child. They deserve the same effort and respect that you give to any other student, even though they ask for your extra attention and energy.
Types of Challenging Online Students and Ways to Handle Them
- Students Who Keep on Disappearing
Most of the time you might come across students who would join the class just to mark themselves present but when you take their names, you get no response. There might be students who will keep on disappearing in between the class to get their other work done and you just sit there waiting for them to return.
Solution: Ask them to turn on their cameras when you teach so that you can keep an eye on them. If you think turning on the camera throughout the session can disturb the class then, keep taking their names, and ask them questions in between the class to make sure that they are present and paying attention.
2. Students Who Attend Classes From Anywhere
Students attending classes from the places of their choice is not a problem but when they attend the class from literally anywhere is a problem. You will not appreciate it when cars are honking in the background, loudspeakers are playing, poor internet connectivity, etc.
Solution: At the beginning of the session itself, iterate your students about what you do not expect from them. Ask them to attend classes from a calm place so that it does not disrupt the flow of the class. Also, advise them to check their internet connection beforehand.
3. Technologically Distracted Students
There will be students who are so excited to be using the technology to learn that they often disturb the class by sending chats, GIFs, pictures, and unnecessary messages. On the other hand, there will be some who do not understand how technology works.
Solution: For the students who have problems with technology, teach the class how to use the apps and websites, etc., that you use to teach; set up an orientation call. The students who disturb the class- the technology enthusiasts, set rules for what is acceptable and what is not. If necessary, use technology for your benefit and block their unnecessary messages so that it does not disturb the rest of the class.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with challenging students is may require you to put extra effort. Nevertheless, always keep your calm and handle such situations in the best way possible so that they understand that they should not be creating problems in the class.
