Dealing with difficult students

How should you respond when a student repeatedly disrupts the class, distracts their peers, or refuses to complete tasks? 

Every teacher has faced these situations, and the initial reaction might be to issue a reprimand or impose discipline. 

However, it’s crucial to recognise that such behaviour often stems from underlying causes. 

In this article, we will explore effective strategies for addressing these students, aiming to restore classroom order while helping the children overcome their difficulties and regain motivation for learning.

Why do students sometimes behave as if they are deliberately trying to disrupt the lesson? 

This can often cause confusion and frustration, but it’s important to remember that behind every instance of challenging behaviour, there is usually something more than just a refusal to follow the rules.

A student may be dealing with difficulties at home — family conflicts, lack of support, or financial struggles, all of which can significantly affect their emotional state.

There are also other factors that can influence a student’s behaviour. 

For instance, academic difficulties. 

If a student is struggling to keep up with the curriculum, they may feel too embarrassed to ask for help and instead begin to distract others or act out.

So, how can a teacher identify these hidden causes rather than just responding to the outward behaviour? 

Empathy is crucial. 

Sometimes, a harsh remark can escalate the problem, while showing understanding and a willingness to listen can lead to a much more positive outcome.

Strategies for working with difficult students

Let's look at the strategies that will help you effectively manage challenging students. 

These approaches are aimed at correcting behaviour and at creating a more productive and positive learning environment for each child.

No, this doesn’t mean removing rules or permitting disruptive behaviour. 

Instead, the focus is on recognising and praising even small achievements. 

This, in turn, increases their motivation to continue working. 

By reinforcing positive behaviour, this approach also helps to build a student's confidence and reduce anxiety.

Every child is unique, and what works for one student may not be effective for another. 

Take the time to understand what motivates each individual child, what their interests are, and how best to engage them in the learning process. 

For example, if a student is passionate about sports, why not use sports-related examples to explain more complex topics? 

I remember having a student who was truly passionate about music, but during English lessons, he seemed totally disengaged. 

He wouldn’t complete assignments and often sat there as if it had nothing to do with him. 

Instead of scolding him, I discovered more about his passion and the fact that he dreamed of becoming a musician. 

In pursuit of that dream, he couldn’t see how learning English could be useful to him. 

That’s when I started using song lyrics in our lessons, exploring slang, and discussing the metaphors and stylistic devices used by the songwriters. 

From then on, his attitude towards the lessons shifted: he became more engaged and started completing assignments because he saw how English could be relevant to his real life.

Students often display negative behaviour when they feel misunderstood or insecure. 

It’s important to demonstrate that you are on his side and genuinely want to help. 

Sometimes, just having a simple conversation where the student feels free to express their concerns can completely change his attitude towards the teacher and the lessons.

Another key strategy for working with challenging students is building trust. 

Trust doesn’t happen instantly — it needs to be earned gradually through consistent actions. 

Rather than criticising them for mistakes, offer help and support. 

Explain that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. 

Offering support during difficult moments helps the student feel secure and boosts his confidence in his abilities.

Even the most patient teachers can find themselves reaching their limit when a situation with a student gets out of hand. 

In these moments, it's important to avoid emotional reactions and remember that your response directly impacts the student's future behaviour.

If you feel you're nearing your limit, it's best to take a step back: take a deep breath, step out for a moment, or ask a colleague to supervise your class briefly.

It's easy to lose patience, but the consequences can be damaging — harsh words or actions may only escalate the student's negative behaviour.

Every student is unique, with their own strengths, weaknesses, learning pace, and personal qualities. 

When a teacher compares one student to another, it can have a negative impact on the child's self-esteem and motivation. 

Instead of encouraging them, such comparisons can lead to feelings of competition. 

For those who are already facing challenges, this can heighten their fear of making mistakes and increase their desire to give up.

In conclusion, we’ve seen that working with challenging students requires patience, empathy, and flexibility. 

By applying strategies such as building trust, practising positive discipline, and taking an individualised approach, you can create an environment where students feel supported and more confident. 

Incorporating these methods into your lessons will help make learning easier for these students and enable them to reach their full potential.