How do I handle a student who interrupts questions posed to me, the instructor?
January 28th, 2010 | by |I am a teacher trainer working with a group of several trainees. I have one student who regularly comments or answers questions posed to me by other students. I feel this is inappropriate unless the topic is opened for group discussion. How should this be handled? Right now I am ignoring the fact that I can hear her speaking while I am trying to address the other student's question.
Tags: answers questions, group discussion, teacher trainer, trainees
By ClergetKubisz on Jan 28, 2010
Speak with this student one-on-one and indicate that when questions are asked of you, it is polite to let you answer them. If the student gives correct answers each time she interrupts you, then indicate that you realize that she has the correct answer and knows the material, but the person who asked the question specifically asked you, the teacher and therefore it should be you, the teacher who answers.
By FRAGEN on Jan 28, 2010
Chris Brown that betch.
By cjvw622 on Jan 28, 2010
If you are teaching teachers, then it’s your responsibility to point out to that student that her classroom manners are inappropriate. It’s a topic that could be brought up to the whole class: they’ll all probably have to deal with similar behavior by some students. I’ve taught everything from K – University over the years and if you continue to ignore this young lady, then you’re avoiding your responsibility and doing her and the rest of the class a disservice.
By Rufus1234 on Jan 28, 2010
Don’t ignore her, as this just reinforces her rude and unacceptable behaviour, by allowing her to continue unchallenged. What I would do would be to stop what you’re saying, address her directly and say something along the lines of "Thanks for wanting to make a contribution but I’d rather you wait until I’ve had a chance to make my point. When I’ve finished then I’ll allow time for anyone else to add their thoughts and ideas." If you are polite but firm, this should do the trick. Also, it will allow the other trainees to see that you are taking their comments and questions seriously, by not allowing ‘miss painful’ to hog the session!
By Sylviee on Jan 28, 2010
if she says it in front of the class, work off of what she said, & if she’s off.. make it very known so she’ll shutup next time.
if she’s doing it privately, either tell her she needs to either quiet down during class..
or take her aside and explain the situation and how she would feel once she’s a teacher with a student doing the same thing.
OR, ask her what she would do in a situation where she’s teaching and a student keeps interupting/talking while she’s talking. make it sound like you genuinely want to know, like it’s a quiz question to help the class learn. After she replies, say "good.. now take your own advice" right in front of the group. she may get the idea then.
By Kingdom Kid on Jan 28, 2010
Ask her kindly not to interrupt the class w,if it continues get her parents along with the administration involved.
Advise her that unless her behavior stops concerning this matter ,disciplinary action will be taken.
By princessbetty001 on Jan 28, 2010
Well, I understand that kind of position. I am a student teacher right now and I am working with preschoolers.
However, one of them were interested in my hearing aids and kept asking more about it during the center time (like science, math, literacy, and such). So, I would answer a few of his questions or explain. Let him react or do something. After that, remind them to focus back onto the subject and discuss later. You know, redirect them in a way.
If you ignore, you’re not handling it well. It would be more of a distraction to the class. It’s best to say, "Okay, let’s get back to where we are." Or, "We’ll talk more about that later." It’s best to handle the situation right away. But, if she interrupted while you are answering another student’s question, say, "Could you hold that thoughts while I answer for…*whoever it is* ’s question/s?" The student would more likely wait until it’s her turn.
They have to understand that you are in charge here. You must know when to take charge of answering, questioning, and to end it. You just need to redirect the student to understand what’s the rules are.
If does not work, explains to the students what your rules are in your own class. Sometimes, it’s best to be reminded what to be followed. You must speak up to say this.
Anyway, I hopes that helps.
By Mandy D on Jan 28, 2010
You need to establish yourself as the authority in the classroom. You said it yourself; it isn’t open discussion, therefore the student is stepping on your toes. First, speak to the student about this behavior. Consistently model and remind all of your students appropriate behavior / responses. Maintaining control is the most important aspect of classroom management.