How to Handle Disruptive Learner Behaviors

If there is a behavior problem disrupting the class, remember that it’s important to treat all learners equally and consistently. If someone’s behavior is disrupting the event, it’s not professional to single them out by treating them differently. In fact, this might encourage their disruptive behavior. The follow table identifies some strategies for maintaining control in the classroom.

Strategy / Description
Tactful ignoring / Ignore inappropriate behavior, such as joking, excessive questioning, or other forms of attention seeking. Don’t make eye contact with the disruptive learner. Give minimal responses when forced to interact.
Silent drift / As you move about the room, move closer to the disturbance as you teach. Because you’re the primary focus of the class, you’ll indirectly bring focus to the learner creating the disturbance. Sometimes this is enough to cease the undesirable behavior.
Gentle discipline / “I do hear some keying. It’s tempting to go ahead at this point, but I’d appreciate it if you’d stay with me until we reach the practice at the end of this unit. Thanks.” This is the least intrusive form of discipline. Its effectiveness depends on how well you addressed learner expectations early in the event. (This can be changed to fit the situation, e.g. talking)
Address the whole group / If a few individual are disrupting the event, announce the disturbance to the whole group. For example, “I hear talking, does someone have a question?” The few individuals causing the disruption will understand the message.
Artificial concern / Control behavior by implying concern. If someone is disruptive in the back of the room for example, you could say, “Is everything okay back there?” This is more personal approach to the disruptive behavior.
Negative focus / Bring attention to the disruptive learner. Begin with the least aggressive approach possible, such as silently drifting toward them. If necessary, work your way towards using a more confrontational method. If done correctly, this technique can be very effective. If not, it can be permanently damaging to your credibility.
Confrontation / This technique should be used only as a last resort. Make a one-on-one direct request for the unwanted behavior to stop. It’s best to never have a confrontation in front of the rest of the class. If, after trying many of the techniques above, a learner’s behavior escalates to the point where you need to confront them one-on-one, dismiss the class from the room and address the learner individually. Always assume the best. Don’t take a defensive posture. Share with the learner that you clearly are misunderstanding their needs and that you want to discuss how you can help them.
Defuse the situation if possible. Attacking or accusing the student verbally can often escalate the situation even further and put both you and the learner in a potentially explosive situation.