Office of Accessibility, 1400 Snyder Memorial. 419.530.4981, TTY 419.530.2612
It is sometimes helpful to distinguish between “difficult students" and “students with difficulties”. The former exhibit classroom behavior which presents a management problem for the professor while the latter are likely to require specific assistance to meet educational goals.
This note outlines management techniques that may help an instructor deal effectively with a difficult student, and auxiliary services available from the University for students with difficulties, including documented psychological disabilities.
Classroom behavior that challenges an instructor’s management skills ranges from excessive questions, through unreasonable demands for help, all the way to manifestations of acute psychological difficulty.
Before resorting to formal action, the informal approach is frequently effective. Some faculty forestall problems by including a caution in the syllabus:
“Students must conduct themselves in a manner which is conducive to learning for themselves and others. Disruptive behaviors are not acceptable and may affect a student’s final grade, or in severe cases result in a student being removed from class.”
[See the Student Handbook (revised edition to be released soon), which specifically speaks to “Student Conduct Standards”, including “intentionally and significantly interfering with teaching” Article IV, Violation 19 A/B].
When a student’s questioning becomes disruptive in class, it may help to ask him/her to see you after class, so that you can answer questions one-on-one in your office. This will allow you more classroom control, and reduce the anxiety of the student. Be firm but encouraging. Initially this may take ten to twenty minutes. As the student’s confidence improves, question sessions usually become shorter and less frequent.
If an instructor feels frustrated (e.g., student demanding, but not attending classes regularly or not finishing assignments on time), we suggest immediately arranging a discussion during office hours to clarify student responsibility. The Office of Accessibility staff can frequently act as an mediator to help the student and the faculty member reach an understanding. A single meeting early in the semester is often sufficient to solve such a problem.
This category includes the 'smart aleck', the 'know-it-all' who monopolizes class time, those who talk with other students during class, and those who are generally disrespectful. This behavior interrupts the learning process for this student and others. If necessary, requesting a private meeting during office hours is an opportunity to clarify appropriate and inappropriate classroom behavior, and emphasize the need to allow others to participate equally in the discussion. Refer such students to the Student Conduct Standards located in The University of Toledo Student Handbook.
For students with psychological disabilities (e.g., mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia), steer away from discussion of the disability and focus instead on:
Remember, most students with psychological disabilities are NOT going to be any problem in class. They are seldom disruptive. They are more likely to miss classes or assignments.
Please refer students to the University Counseling Center or the Office of Accessibility anytime you consider it appropriate. You may assure students that all sessions with the Counseling Center or meetings with Office of Accessibility staff are confidential.
If you have determined that a student’s in-class behavior has become uncontrollably disruptive or potentially harmful to him or herself or others, it is strongly recommended that you contact campus police at 419.530.2600 for immediate assistance.
When documenting information on students with disabilities, focus on the behavior (e.g., “a student who interrupts a lot”) not on the disability (a “blind student”). Separate the behavior from the disability. Although some accommodations may be necessary, the standards of behaviors are the same for all students.
For students with documented disabilities, a variety of accommodations are available at The University of Toledo. Requests for accommodations are formally initiated through the Office of Accessibility, and implemented with the concurrence and assistance of the instructor and the student.
Any student with a disability who wishes to receive academic and/or classroom accommodations must provide documentation from a diagnosing professional to the Office of Accessibility, located in Room 1400 Snyder Memorial, (419.530.4981). The documentation provided must reflect a disability that currently and substantially limits academic functioning. The Office of Accessibility will determine what accommodations are appropriate and reasonable based on the documentation provided. The specific accommodations needed will be outlined in a letter, which the student delivers to the faculty member.
Presenting this letter provides an opportunity for the student to discuss his/her needs with faculty. Please note that faculty have no obligation to provide accommodation(s) until the letter is received.
The University is not obligated to accommodate unless all the following occur:
Classroom adjustments may include seating arrangements, physical access, special materials, lecture note copying, taped lectures, sign language interpreters, modified teaching techniques, auxiliary aids or extra time for testing. Testing accommodations may include a quite room, readers or scribes, or use of a computer to write an exam. Accommodations provided are individualized to fit the disability and limitations of the student. The Office of Accessibility will work in collaboration with the faculty member and the student to facilitate the recommended accommodations. Faculty members who have questions or concerns regarding the accommodations recommended are encouraged to contact the Office of Accessibility.
Students should speak to the instructor during the first week of class (earlier if possible) regarding any special needs. Invite them to do so on your syllabus:
“If you have a disability which may require a classroom accommodation, you need to register with the Office of Accessibility, Room 1400 Snyder Memorial (Voice 419.530.4981, TTY 419.530.2612), if you have not already done so. Information shared with the Office of Accessibility will be kept confidential to the extent consistent with State and Federal law.”
You may also wish to add the following:
“Please contact me well in advance of the need for accommodations.”
“To discuss your specific classroom concerns, please see me during office hours as soon as possible”.
A welcoming request for disclosure of any disability on your syllabus reassures students and actually gives you more control. Students usually are grateful for the invitation. Some instructors also use their syllabus to assure students with disabilities that they will avoid any mention of personal/confidential information in front of the class.
For students with disabilities, including psychological disabilities, it may be necessary to spell out your requirements in detail. The bottom line is that all students must master the required course materials within a REASONABLE period of time. Understand that there may be some bad days, which require flexibility. Decide to clarify general class rules for absences.
Clear rules are important. Set up rules as you wish, but always
Some students may take advantage of accommodations and ask for more than what they are entitled to receive. However, this does not happen often. If you have concerns, contact the Office of Accessibility, at 419.530.4981, Room 1400 Snyder Memorial for clarification.
The Office of Accessibility may require additional lead time to provide students with equal access to reading assignments and course materials (e.g., Braille materials and recorded text books). You may be asked to provide reading lists and class handouts well in advance of the time they will be presented/discussed in class. Resources and time are frequently limited within the offices which offer support for students with disabilities, so your understanding and cooperation is appreciated.
More and more students are entering college life in spite of challenging personal circumstances. This does not mandate lowering the bar for academic achievement.
Faculty are encouraged to modify, rather than waive, course or degree requirements. The University is not required to lower academic standards for students with disabilities. At no time will the Office of Accessibility knowingly recommend an academic or classroom accommodation that will fundamentally alter the objectives of a curriculum, course, or academic program. Input from faculty regarding recommended accommodations is encouraged and appreciated.
Do not let a student make you focus on the disability. Disability is not an excuse. Accommodations are not a free ticket. Rather, the services and accommodations made are intended to provide students equal access and opportunity to demonstrate knowledge. Do not confuse reasonable accommodations with guaranteed outcomes.
For more information on dealing with students with difficulties please feel free to contact the Director of the Office of Accessibility at 419.530.4981. For information regarding The University of Toledo Student Conduct Standards, please contact The University of Toledo Student Conduct Officer at 419.530.4944.
Some of the information presented in this document was obtained, in part, from the University of Michigan-Flint, Counseling Services and Accessibility Services.