I’ve been struggling with students who talk incessantly in my class (and, as a result, prevent projects from getting started or completed on time). The problem is pretty wide spread in the school so I’m not alone in my frustrations. However, in my art class it means that projects that should take one class can take two or three classes. And, it gets worse the more complex projects become.
So, what I’ve decided to try is to make those students who take time away from my class make up that time after school and that can be a problem since the kids are bused. For instance, a student who has been out for quite some time and just recently returned has reintroduced a great deal of disruptions back into my class. I’ve already spoken to his mother once about his disrespectful language and behavior. I’m going to be calling her again tomorrow to let her know that her son will need to serve a detention with me and make up time he’s taken away from my class.
Part of me remains uncertain if I should use the time to have students make up work or simply have them do other menial tasks such as cleaning (which is always needed). It’s going to be considered a detention and should they skip it they will receive a Saturday detention (one hour vs. three hours).
What are your thoughts on the topic of discipline in the classroom? Any changes you would make? Does anyone have any strategies for communicating the importance of working diligently at this late stage of the school year to high school students who should know better?
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I also teach art (high school) and understand your dilemma! I think your idea may work – and yet – in a way, you end up giving yourself a detention too! You end up having to stay an hour and come up with things for your students to do for you. Definitely a lot of extra work! If a student has put in his/her time in class wisely, and still needs more time to work (or they have been sick, etc.) I stay afterward with them for extra studio time.
For those who are just goofing off – their grade (daily participation) is severely cut – or they get a zero for that day. (participation counts as 20% of the total grade for the semester). Also, their late project loses points for being late. And for really severe problems, they are removed from the classroom. I’ve also had my problem students sign a contract with me for their behavior… it is laid out in black and white exactly what the expected behavior is and the exact consequences for not “honoring” their contract. If they refuse to sign, it is a dean’s issue and they leave the classroom.
You may find that if you try the idea of staying afterward with them once, it completely takes care of the problem since they probably don’t want to give up their after school time! I’ll be interested to see what you do and how it works!