The 5 tips for dealing with difficult students are:
- Never take it personally: When a student acts out, it’s important to remember that they are not attacking you personally. They are likely acting out because they are seeking attention or trying to get a reaction from you. The best thing you can do is to stay calm and unresponsive and focus on the behavior.
- Be the second to last word: When you are having a conversation with a student, try to avoid being the last one to speak. This shows that you are in a position of strength and that you are not afraid to let the student have the last word.
- Private is better than public: If you have a problem with a student, it is best to deal with it privately. This will help to avoid embarrassing the student in front of their peers and will give you a better chance of resolving the issue.
- Negotiation is good: It is important to have clear rules and boundaries in place, but it is also important to be willing to negotiate with students. This will help them to feel like they are part of the learning process and will make them more likely to comply with your rules.
- Walking away is a strength: There are times when it is best to walk away from a difficult situation. This does not mean that you are giving up; it simply means that you are choosing to deal with the issue at a later time when you are in a better position to do so.
