Influencing StudentBehaviour

Peter FenrichInstructional Development Consultant

Learning and Teaching Centre (bcit.ca/ltc)British Columbia Institute of Technology

Tel: 604-432-8817Peter_Fenrich@bcit.ca

Have you ever been or known someone who was angry at or frustrated with a teacher?

Could that have been prevented in the first place?

Bridge-in

Outcome By the end of this lesson, you

should be able to positively influence student behaviour.

Think about a time that a teacher made you angry or upset.

What did the teacher do to make you angry or upset?

What should the teacher have done instead?

Experience as a Student

As a teacher or based on anything you witnessed, recall an incident when a student’s behaviour needed to be managed.

Think about what caused the incident.

Experience as a Teacher

In groups of two or three, for each of your incidences, discuss what, if anything, you or the teacher could have done to prevent the incidence in the first place.

This not the way to do it: Video

Prevention in the First Place

Since first impressions are so important, ensure that your first class starts well.

What can you do to start off right?

Start Well

Keep your students engaged. Randomly ask questions. Ask a misbehaving student a question. But,

what should you be careful about? Move near to a misbehaving student. Sometimes be at the back of the class. Pause until everyone is quiet. Be aware of what is going in. Know their names. Be “caring” (e.g., smile, be fair, be passionate,

be empathetic…).

Typical Things that Can Help

Be aware of institutional policies on instructor conduct, student conduct, harassment, discrimination, and threatening and abusive behaviour.

You can find information on the website, in an orientation manual, or from a department head or manager.

If There is a Problem

Stay alert for potential problems. How can staying alert help?

Dealing with Problems (1)

In general, you should:

a) Address problems as soon as they

arise.

b) Wait to see if the problem comes

up a few times.

c) Wait until a student complains

about a problem.

Dealing with Problems (2a)

Address problems as soon as they arise.

Why this is important? It should never get to this: Video

Dealing with Problems (2b)

Remove your student(s) from the situation.

Why is removing them from the situation is important?

How can you remove them from the situation?

Dealing with Problems (3)

Involve your student(s) in resolving the problem.

Why does their involvement help?

Dealing with Problems (4)

Use your authority, as is appropriate.

This is not appropriate:

Video Remember, in the long

run, being democratic is better than being autocratic.

Dealing with Problems (5)

Cell phone video What will you do to prevent this

situation?

Application (1)

Imagine a potentially challenging “behavioural” situation.

_____________________________

_____________________________ What would you do to address it?

_____________________________

_____________________________

_____________________________

Application (2)

Stay alert for problems Address problems quickly Remove students from the situation Involve your students Use your authority, if needed Other suggestions? Video summary

Key Points to Remember

What questions about influencing student

behaviour do you still have?