Denitsa Mihaylova

Common problems in the classroom today:

1)

A few students dominate the class, decreasing the opportunities for others to participate on an equal level.

What would you do? I wouldnt show any favouritism towards those students. On the contrary, I will try to give each student equal chance to participate. I would kindly ask them not to interrupt their classmates and respect them.

2) The entire class stares blankly at the teacher and says nothing despite repeated attempts to elicit an active learning behaviour from them. What would you do? I will try a warm-up activity if I feel the class is not ready to speak on the topic. I think using some games is a good way of making people feel comfortable. As they start with the things they already know they will easily adapt to the new things.

3) In the lesson plan, students are required to interview each other. A man refuses to participate with a woman. What would you do? First, I will try to regroup students. If there arent any other options for the man to group with other men I will do the interview with him.

4)

Over the course of a session, students continually ask the teacher to leave early.

What would you do? I will tell them I dont feel ok about it and disapprove it from the very second time this happens. I think I shouldnt wait for this to become a trend. After all, they lose by doing it. In an adult class/group, I will remind them that the classes are time and money they invested so they should be wiser.

5) During a discussion, a student makes suggestive comments about the teacher's nationality, religion or culture. What would you do? First of all, I would keep calm and not take it personally. Ill suggest we move on to the next task. Later after the class is over I will try to talk to the student in person to see what s/he means when saying these things.

Denitsa Mihaylova
6) The lesson prepared is suitably challenging for most of the class but just too difficult for a number of students. What would you do? I will not try to make the lesson easier because there should be some challenge for the majority. I think it is best to help the students who do not feel sure about what we are doing or what is required to do in the process of studying throughout the class. Then I can ask them to stay after the lesson to clear their questions and give them additional materials to catch up with the rest. Another thing I can do is change students seats so that excellent students can set a good example for the troubled ones a nd help them, too.

7) One or more students come to the teacher and say they would like to be advanced to a higher level but there is some doubt if they are ready. What would you do? I will try to appear positive about the idea and suggest taking an exam first to make sure they are really prepared for a higher level. If they fail, at least they will not have a negative attitude towards me.

8)

Students complain of not having enough opportunity to speak in class.

What would you do? I would give them the chance to discuss this and say what their ideas are. We can make extra activities or presentations.

9)

Students request homework but they never complete it or rarely do.

What would you do? First, I will discuss the problem with them. It could be that they do not realize they have to do their homework so I will remind them what is required and expected once again. Then I will introduce a system letting them collect extra points by doing their homework regularly. These points can give them some bonuses.

10) Students ask the teacher's opinion of a fellow teacher's methodology. What would you do? I wouldnt discuss other colleagues methodology. I will tell them that as a professional s/he is the one who chooses his/her strategies in class so this should not be questioned.

11) A student asks the teacher to manipulate his attendance record so the company will be unaware of the number of absences.

What would you do?

Denitsa Mihaylova
Once again remind him/her about the rules we agreed on at the very beginning and tell him/her that no exception can be made only for him/her.

12) A student performs well and meets all of the objectives of the course, but has frequent absences from class due to a work-related obligation.

What would you do in each situation? I would like to talk to him/her in person. I will point out the excellent results and how satisfied I am with the student then ask about his/her schedule/work. If the situation is really hard on his/her side I will talk to the management to place this student in another class in a more suitable time for him/her.