We define ‘classroom disruption‘ as behavior a reasonable person would view as being likely to substantially or repeatedly interfere with the conduct of a class. Examples include yelling or being excessively loud, distracting other students, being under the influence of substances, refusing to leave or cooperate, disruption of property, threats of violence, acts of physical aggression, and may also include not complying with instructions, and escalating low-level behaviors.
If you have ever experienced a challenging disciplinary situation in your classroom, you are not alone. The majority of students act in an appropriate and respectful manner; however, there are occasions when students will test the limits of acceptable classroom behavior.
Student conduct that substantially or repeatedly interferes with the ability of an instructor to teach or the ability of other students to learn is a violation of the URI Student Handbook. These expectations extend beyond the classroom to field trips, internship placement and other off-campus University activities.
PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS
Confronting a disruptive student can be an uncomfortable experience. If a student’s behavior obstructs or disrupts your ability to teach or the ability of others to learn, you may find the following suggestions helpful.
- Clearly articulate rules regarding attendance, tardiness, active class participation, cheating, use of electronic devices, and appropriate conduct on the course syllabus.
- Reference acceptable behavior and policies where appropriate.
- Specify consequences and follow through in a fair and consistent manner.
- Model professional behavior.
- Respond to inappropriate remarks in a professional, mature manner.
- Put-downs or witty comebacks tend to escalate the situation.
- If possible, move closer to the disruptive students, pause until everyone quiets down, and make direct eye contact.
- Disruptive students are not always aware that they are bothering others.
- When the problem is isolated to one student, speak privately with the student.
- Use “I” messages such as, “When I see you _____ ; I feel _______; and I need the activity to stop.”
- Seek consultation from experienced colleagues, i.e. your department chair and/or the Student Affairs staff in the dean’s office of your academic college.
- If a student prevents you from moving on to another topic, take control of the discussion, express the need to cover all of the material, and invite the student to continue the conversation during your office hours.
- If verbal admonishment is not effective, give the student the option of modifying the undesirable behavior or leaving the class for the remainder of the period.
- Instructors may tell a student to leave class temporarily, but adjudication by the Office of Community Standards/Student Conduct is necessary for permanent removal.
- Document all incidents and your attempts to resolve the situation.
- Be factual and objective. Use quotations whenever possible.
- Contact the Office of Community Standards/Student Conduct if you want to consult with a conduct officer about possibly referring incidents for disciplinary action.
- If you are seeing a pattern of disruptive behavior, consult with the Student Affairs Officer in your academic college or your department chair.
- Report the conduct if the behavior continues.
- If a student is making threats of violence to him/herself and/or to others, immediately contact the University of Rhode Island Police Department at (401) 874-4910 or 911.
- Document the incident(s) and report the information as soon as possible.
Referrals
If you need assistance and/or are concerned about a student’s behavior or well-being, please utilize the URI Report It page.
