Case
The Class Clown

When you ask a student a question relating to the material she always gives a sarcastic comment or makes a joke out of the question. Now she is starting to make jokes randomly during the lesson. This gets the class off task and takes several minutes to get them refocused. How do you deal with the situation?

Posted on: 04/20/13 | Views: 1177
Solution #1
I would find out if this behavior is for social attention or if she is trying to escape from the question (she might not know the answer). An appropriate response would be to instruct the students not to laugh and to make sure that the 'class clown' does not get in even a word. Using proximity and constant supervision, you can minimize her outbursts. When it does happen, quickly redirect and refocus without making a big deal out of it. You could also try asking her more basic questions that you feel she may have the response to, and then praise her at any opportunity.

I like your solution, the idea of using proximity so that the student knows your right there is one of my favorite techniques.

I agree with this solution. Staying vigilant and close to the student is a good reminder for the student to stay on task.

Yes. This behavior is often indicative of a need for attention.

I agree with your solution.

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Solution #2
Try to have a one-on-one conversation with this student. See if you can find out what is causing her to act this way during class? Try to find a personal reward that she would like and give it to her each time she make a comment that is on topic and not out of line. Maybe reinforcing the good behavior will lead to less of the other behavior. I hope this helps!

I like the idea of rewarding appropriate behavior.

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Solution #3
I would definitely talk with the student about acceptable behavior and respect for the learning environment. In addition, I would talk with the class about being an audience for inappropriate behavior and how that impacts the learning of everyone. If the peers do not respond by engaging or providing an audience students will begin to alter their behavior.
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Solution #4
I would talk to them aside first. If that doesn't happen send them a note home and have the parent sign it. If that doesn't work then take disciplinary action.
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Solution #5
First thing first, this student obviously has some affect on how the students behave in this class. Immediately speak to him one on one. See what is troubling the student and what sort of agreement you two can come up with. Convince him that you depend on him to behave and you know he can be a model student for you and for the other students to follow. When it comes to the parents, tell the parents that these misbehaviors will cause more problems for him especially when he gets older.

Great solution. I found it very helpful.

I agree with having a conversation with the student and placing importance on him or her about being a role model student for the class to look up to. Sometimes the student just wants attention and it doesn't matter to them rather if it is negative attention.

I don't think guilting the kid is the right approach.

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Solution #6
I would also talk to her. See what is going on at home. You may not know that there is something going on at home. I would then let her know that this cannot continue. I would start a chart for her to ear points, class money,or some kind of reward for every 10-15 minutes she does not have an out burst. As she gets better about not making remarks on everything you can increase the time to 20-30 minutes.

I found this solution to be very helpful. I like that you did a point system, I have seen a similar one to where the student marks every talk out. Then if they don't exceed that number then they get a prize.

I would not reward a student for disruptive behavior. This will lead her to expect a reward when she behaves instead of behaving because that is what is right.

I don't think I would use this solution. Rewarding the child for behavior that is expected does not seem like a fair way to fix the problem.

I agree. Find out what else is going on in her life.

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