As a teacher, you have to handle difficult students as naturally as oxygen. I had such a tough time when I started the teaching profession. The time was so difficult that I thought I should give up teaching. Especially when I couldn’t manage a class of difficult students. I have even had experiences where students have teased me. That was amazing!
However, I still remember those days and smile. Nowadays I know that I lacked experience and technique at that time. Since I was a new teacher. I have known and learned many things through this long experience.
And that’s why today’s post is to help my newbies colleagues and share some essential tips. Those who do not understand that, how do you handle difficult students? I believe this article will provide valuable assistance to them. So let’s figure out some solutions together.
How to Effectively Handle Difficult Students
Every senior teacher says that fixing difficult students is not an easy task. It’s true I also agree but I think adopting some techniques can make the job easier. However, let us now discuss what strategies can be followed and applied for difficult students.
#1 Be mindful of your approach
You cannot fix difficult students if your approach is wrong. So, you need to fix your approach first. As a teacher, if you can maintain a patient, empathetic approach, then you will win. So keep a positive approach no matter how difficult the student is. It will come in handy for handling difficult students.
#2 Address the student in private
When addressing challenging behavior, it’s important to maintain the student’s dignity by addressing the issue in private. This allows for open communication without the fear of embarrassment and provides an opportunity to understand the underlying reasons behind the behavior. So don’t forget to apply this strategy because it will work for almost every student.
#3 Communicate with guardians
The behavior of difficult students should be discussed with their parents. As a result, they will be very well influenced by their parents. And you stay clear in your position. On the other hand, you will get the help of parents to work with him. So it is not right to lose this golden opportunity as a teacher.
#4 Build positive relationships
This technique will be very useful if you can apply it correctly. A healthy relationship with difficult students will make it much easier for you to manage them. You may even be able to influence their psyche. Students will respect you as a teacher if you maintain a positive relationship with them. For this reason, many teachers use this technique to handle difficult students.
#5 Don’t ignore misbehavior
Misbehavior should never be tolerated. In this case, you have to be strong. Because if you allow it, other students can take advantage of it. As a result, the classroom and out-of-class environment will be unsuitable for learning.
You will sympathize with them but find it difficult here. If you see misbehavior in the classroom, send him out of the class if necessary. Because it is not right for you to argue with him. If you do, you and the class time will be wasted, and other students may lose hope in you. I personally never condone misbehavior.
#6 Stay calm and positive
You need to stay calm and do the right thing when you’re dealing with a difficult student. Be calm and stay positive. If you get too excited, you can make mistakes. So don’t get angry and try to keep the situation under your control. I used to get this point wrong a lot in my early life. Later I learned to stay calm and take control of the situation. Other students will also be positive towards you. You can have a positive attitude towards all students.
#7 Use empathy
Empathy is a powerful weapon for controlling almost all types of difficult students. Because difficult students are human beings, they have emotions, right? Psychologists say showing empathy is a good way to get people to work. So use this empathy when dealing with your difficult students. But you can use it in personal communication.
#8 Reach out to someone in the school community who has a positive relationship with the student
When dealing with a difficult student, remember that he has a good relationship with one of the teachers in the school. You have to find that special someone. Discuss the student’s issues openly with him. As a result, you will know about your student’s behavior, mental condition, physical condition, and family condition. After knowing this you can handle him very well. However, this technique may not always work. But try as possible.
Final thoughts
How do you handle difficult students? Of this topic, I shared several strategies with you as a teacher. However, it’s important to remember that the effectiveness of these strategies depends on how and when you use them with each student.
The strategies I have given are mostly realistic. So you can use those for yourself. I hope you can bring your difficult students under control. But controlling some crazy students is not possible. Stop worrying about them and their behavior. Simply concentrate on performing your duties effectively.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
When dealing with an angry student, it’s essential to remain calm, acknowledge their feelings, and provide a safe space for them to express themselves. Using active listening techniques, validating their emotions, and offering support and guidance can help de-escalate the situation and work towards finding a resolution.
Handling difficult behavior in kindergarten requires a combination of patience, consistency, and understanding of the developmental needs of young children. Strategies such as providing clear expectations, offering positive reinforcement, and implementing age-appropriate consequences can help manage challenging behavior effectively.
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