Case
I Don't Fit In

I have a Hispanic student in my class who struggles to get along with other students. He is constantly getting into arguments with other students and always thinks that everyone is against him. I have spoken to him about this, but the problems still continue. I'm not sure if his difficulties come from cultural differences or if he really does not get along with others. At times I think he gets defensive because he doesn't understand what is going on. How do I handle this problem?

Posted on: 06/03/13 | Views: 1878
Solution #1
Top Solution
I think the first thing I would do is talk to his counselor to see if he/she may have some information that may help me understand the young man. Then I will try to contact the parents to see if they can shed some light on the situation. I am curious to know, if the conversation between the teacher and the young was only about his behavior. If so, then maybe there needs to be a different approach to the conversation. An approach where the teacher tries to get to know the young man through conservation, and maybe the child will open up and discuss what it really bothering him. Also, look to see what students he is having conflicts with. Is it everyone he is not getting alone with or is it a certain group? If you think it's because he not understanding the material, then watch him closely as you teach your lesson. Look at what he writing down and watch his facial expression. Watch his body language while he taking a test or quiz. This may tell you a lot.

That is such a great solution! Body language is important, and it speaks loud. I liked how you mentioned every possible resource that you can think of to get to the bottom of why the student is not getting along with others.

I think more observation and communication with his parents and administration, such as guidance counselors is a great idea.

Reaching out to a counselor is the best one can do. Getting to know the student personally and trying to teach the students, though subtle lesson plan alternations, about this student's culture might also help.

I agree, I think it is easy to overlook body language. You mentioned lots of great resources to get to the bottom of this problem.

I agree with this solution

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Solution #2
One possible solution would be to ensure that the student had a leg up with the content for a while. Make sure that the student has plenty of resources (guided notes, visual organizers, word-to-word). Make sure the student is seated with students who will not fight with him and/or will help him. I always pair my ESL students with an English-proficient student to help translate if needed (if that is an option). Try to incorporate some of his cultural aspects into lessons and assignments. This will help him feel welcome and help legitimize him to the other students.

I would develop a buddy system for them, allow him to sit and work with an English Proficiency Student. Allowing him to learn more English, and gain a good friend. Maybe this will allow him to be more comfortable about being accepted in the classroom too.

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Solution #3
I'm sure the student feels isolated to some extent. Maybe ask the student to bring in some artifacts from his culture and share them with the class. This will make him feel important while allowing the other students to be exposed to some of his interests.
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Solution #4
By creating a environment the student feels comfortable and successful in will help facilitate his behavioral problems. It is essential to provide the student with numerous materials to help him be successful in group activities and independent activities. Providing his will outlined notes, concept maps, or graphs will help him read and comprehend the information being taught. As for allowing him to feel accepted in this classroom by his piers it is beneficial to bring in aspects of his cultural into lessons as much as possible. This can be done by either comparing and contrasting similarities and differences found in each culture or bringing key points of that students background to students attention to give them a better understanding of the students background.
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Solution #5
I would try talking to this student about why he is feeling the need to argue with others. If the student is feeling isolated sit him next to a student who is outgoing and friendly to try and boost his self confidence. If the boy is feeling like everyone is against him make sure to compliment his work when on task so that he does not think you prefer other students over him. Allow the student to sit close to you during instruction so that he can ask any questions or request a slower pace of instruction to better understand material.
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Solution #6
First, if the student is in middle school or high school, there is a lot going on in his head. As a teacher, we need to understand that he had moved from his routine and a place where he could understand everyone. Sometimes peers do not help to make the situation better and pick on those new, funny talking students. I went through the same situation, I was the new student. I decided not to talk in class or to anybody because some peers would make fun of my accent or my non-sense communication. I would suggest to find someone that the student feels comfortable talking to and find out what is the real reason he is acting out.
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Solution #7
In so many cases, inferiority is taught at home. And getting into arguments with others is a defense mechanism that turns on a child's motivation to prove himself. In my experience, it has been very beneficial to bring in a counselor to speak to the family about how to promote a better working relationship with the student. It may be that the child just feels so inferior because the parents, NOT you, have pre-judged the school as a community that may not accept him. So it makes sense that the child is trying to bring attention to himself and validate his family's outlook. Insisting and teaching equality, and practicing what you preach, will go far. I try to just always be loving and kind to these students. Life is hard enough.
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Solution #8
I would teach multicultural acceptance in the classroom. Maybe have students present projects from different countries.
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Solution #9
For this I would figure out what his culture is and do some research. I would also tell the counselor what is going on so they could talk to this student and help them adjust to the school.
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Solution #10
I believe you have everything you could do as a teacher, so going above is the next step. If you school as a counselor, I think they should have student talk to them. I think its a mindset that they need to get rid off. I would so go I to reassurance territory. Give them the knowledge that it's okay and that not everyone is out to get them.
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Solution #11
I would add a lesson into your curriculum about social emotional learning for all students to learn that everyone is different.
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Solution #12
Get admin and the parents involved to get to an understanding on why this is happening. The sooner all parties understand the cause of his emotions, you'll than get to an understanding on how you can solve it.
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Solution #13
If i was in this situation, I would try talking to this student about why he is feeling the need to argue with others.
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Solution #14
Yes, try finding him a buddy, & figure out his strengths as well as what he emjoys doing so you can incorporate it into his lessons.
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Solution #15
Have the student talk about himself so the students can see he isnt different from everyone else.
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Solution #16
As a teacher, you can implement group assignments and projects. This can force the students to work together to get a job done.

A teacher should never force a student to do anything.

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