Introduction
The Session has 5 Major Parts
Discussion is Encouraged

1. The Goals of Teaching (Milieu Within Which Problems Arise)

A. Create and Maintain an Intellectual Atmosphere

B. Motivate Students

C. Serve (Faculty) as Role Models (Intellectual, Interpersonal, Ethical)

D. Create and Maintain a Courteous Environment

E. Create and Maintain a Caring Environment (about our students, what they learn, the future of community and society, etc.)

2. Prevention of Common Problems - Some Teaching Tips

A. The Best Defense is a Good Offense

o Anticipate Problems

o Plan Ahead

o Establish Explicit Procedures to Deal with Everyday Problems(Contested and Missed Exams, Late Papers, etc.)

• The Contest An Item Form (exams)
• Paper Criteria Form
• Throw Out An Exam Item
• Grading Criteria
• Makeup Times - Right To Lower Scores/Grades

B. Talk To Your Colleagues

C. Syllabus

o Rules and Procedures Which Apply To Everyone

o Some Flexibility

o Academic Dishonesty Statement

o Follow the Rules and Timetable In the Syllabus

D. First Day of Class

o Lay Out Expectations and Rules

o Allow Time for Student Questions

o Establish a Milieu Which Minimizes Problems

E. Minimizing Cheating Before the Papers/Exams

o Use Multiple Forms of Exams

o Proctor Exams

o No Tapes/Radios

F. Faculty Attitude With Students

o Always Look At Yourself First

o Focus on Learning

o Maintain Composure and Demeanor

G. Deal With the Problem at an Appropriate Level

o Yourself

o Department Chair

o Dean L&S, Dean of Students, etc.

3. Intervention - General Principles

A. Deal With Volatile Students Outside the Classroom

B. Put Blame on Self

C. Let Upset Students Vent

D. Be Firm and Fair

4. Intervention - Some Typical Problems and Solutions

A. Quick to Anger, Aggressive Student

o Be Nonemotional in Class

o If Conflict Directly With You, Attempt to Meet in Private

o Let Student Vent

o Determine if Anger at You or Class Assignment/Issue

o Refer to Relevant Policy on Challenging Items/Grading

o Maintain Composure and Demeanor

o Problem Solve (What Do We Do From Here?, What Do You Want?)

B. I Don't Agree With You Student (Challenges Almost Everything Presented in Class)

o Soft Intervention Immediately to Maintain Intellectual Climate and Minimize Negative Impact on Rest of Class

o Maintain Composure

o Analyze Content of Student Criticism

o Talk With Student Outside Class

o Problem Solve (Be Prepared to Take Responsibility)

C. Attention Seekers and Students Who Dominate Discussion

o Be Grateful For Them Initially

o State Value of Everyone Participating

o Call on Others

o See Student Outside Class

o Use Discussion Tokens

D. Inattentive Students

o Rearrange Seats

o Avoid Confrontation & Humiliation in Class (regardless of how tempting)

o Talk to Student(s) After Class

o Take Responsibility (How Might I Lecture or Organize Class So You Would Pay Better Attention?)

E. I'm Not Here Student (Extremely Shy and Quiet)

o The Goal is Not Forced Participation

o Nonthreatening Contact

o Supportive Note on Paper or Exam

o Use E-Mail

o Learn Name - Say Hello

F. Everything Always Happens To Me Student - The Unprepared

o Clear Rules and Guidelines

o Be Firm

G. The Ready to Give Up Student

o Reach Out

o Try to Engage In An Out-Of-Class Dialogue

o Problem Solve Solutions

o If No Solutions, Be Supportive

H. The Flatterer, Disciple, Con Man or Woman (Usually Done to Earn a Higher Grade)

o Start With Assumption of Honesty

o Do not Change Rules for Them If Being Manipulated

I. Unbalanced Student (A Rare Event)

o Private talk with Student

o Keep on Task

o Determine Institutional Supports (e.g., Counseling Center)

o Manage Student in Class (Move Where Sits, Ignore)

o If Necessary, Remove From Class

5. A Problem for Which We (The Presenters) Have No Good Solution

The Vanishing Student Problem (Dwindling Class Attendance)

o Require Attendance?

o Let Students Be Responsible (many miss a lot of classes)

o Frequent Assignments/Quizzes Very Often (Student Must Be In Class to Take Them, Turn in Assignment)

o Surprise Quizzes (Does Not Work)

o ?