What a shame. It breaks my heart to hear that. It saddens me that you would have to model politeness for adults. And they are adults, no excuses. I don’t have experience teaching in a college setting. However, I know I wouldn’t allow the behavior you describe. Cell phones would be turned off the minute the enter the classroom and laptops left in backpacks. That’s the way it would have to be. If they don’t like it, they can drop the class. If the rule is broken, then I would ask them to leave the room, taking zero credit for the day. I certainly would be polite and respectful, but only because it’s right. They’re too old for modeling, too old for praise that isn’t based on accomplishment. You do them no favors by condoning or accepting bad or disrespectful behavior. It’s your classroom and you know what’s right. Set a standard of discourse and behavior you know is best for your students and their future success and stick to it. And here’s the thing. You don’t have to be mean about it. You don’t have to be unlikeable. You can be your kindhearted self. But you’re just not going to compromise, no matter what, on what you know is right–for them and for your classroom.

Be the great teacher you know you are. Give your students the best of yourself. But expect and demand the best in return. It’s the right thing to do.

Michael

I came across your page because I am having a difficult time with disrespectful students in college classrooms. Many of my faculty are voicing the same concerns as they see it in their classes, too. I have been teaching college students since 1995 and I can tell you, the level of disrespect in the classroom (with cell phone usage, texting, surfing the web, talking and laughing, etc.) has increased dramatically. I have had my students sign a contract regarding consequences for laptop and cell phone usage in class but some still, passive aggressively, use their laptops. I have told them that I am aware of who is using them–and I have praised those who comply–and that points will be taken off their final grade for it. It still persists. I am at a loss and am thinking about quitting, to be honest. I am tired of being a broken record–with adults!– and the ‘worst’ offenders are juniors and seniors, and these are criminal justice majors. It is difficult for me to come across as a hardass, and perhaps they take advantage of that, but I have had to step it up this semester. I am not sure what it will take for them to be respectful. I model it daily in my classes, going above and beyond with my politeness and doing all I can to engage them, but at least 20% of my classes seem disengaged. The ‘worst’ offenders are in a larger class of 60 students. Anyway, any thoughts would helpful! Thanks and take care, Sue

roger

Great article!

After years as a cabinet maker, I have gone back to school hoping to become a teacher. I feel very comfortable with teaching content, but the discipline issues have been a constant concern for me.

I am from a school of thought that promotes force to fight force. Though this works on occasion, I am beginning to understand that, like you said, acting out in anger just adds fuel to the fire.

Thank you for this insight. Maybe now I can concentrate more on teaching and a little less on behavior.

Jon

It’s true that this article is among the most popular, but I think that has more to do with the difficulty of dealing with disrespectful students. As to the reasons why some students are more disrespectful than others, and how much the possible causes you mention have to do with it, I can’t say for sure. My experience, however, has been that it’s possible to command utmost respect in the classroom–regardless of who the students are.

Michael

Time-out would look the same–or very nearly the same–for both groups. For specific information on time-out see the articles in the time-out category and the rules and consequences category. For specific questions, email me. I’m happy to help!

Michael

Thanks!