Guidelines for Dealing with Disruptive Students

Students have the right to actively engage in classroom discussions and debates. However, they must do so in a way that maintains order, does not disrupt normal class activities, and is respectful of others. The information below provides guidance on dealing with disruptive behavior in the classroom.

Preventing Disruptive Behavior with a Syllabus

Creating a clear and detailed syllabus that outlines your classroom expectations and reviewing it with your students is a powerful way to prevent disruptive behavior.

Here are some examples of effective syllabus policies:

• Cell Phones and Electronics: All cell phones and electronic devices must be turned off during class. If you have a specific need, please talk to me before class begins.

• Classroom Participation: Students are expected to raise their hand and wait to be called on before speaking. Learning occurs when we share our opinions and listen to those of others. Please be respectful of your classmates' viewpoints and allow everyone a chance to speak.

Preventative Strategies

The most effective way to manage classroom disruptions is to prevent them before they arise. Here are some strategies to help avoid disruptions:

1. Clarify Expectations: Understand what students hope to gain from the class, and clearly communicate your own expectations. Disruptions often stem from students feeling uncertain about what the instructor expects from them.

2. Get to Know Your Students: Addressing students by name can foster a sense of connection, making them less likely to disrupt the class. When students feel seen and acknowledged, they’re more likely to stay engaged and respectful.

3. Model Desired Behavior: Set an example by demonstrating the behavior you want from your students. For instance, if you use sarcasm, students may think it’s acceptable in the classroom. Be mindful of how you conduct yourself.

4. Avoid Over-Informality: While a relaxed classroom atmosphere is important, too much informality can lead to a lack of boundaries. Maintain a balance between approachability and authority.

5. Establish Expectations Early: Set the tone for the class from the start. It’s easier to establish clear guidelines at the beginning than to introduce new rules later. However, it’s easier to relax expectations if needed, rather than tighten them.

6. Solicit Feedback: Periodically ask for anonymous feedback from students on how the class is progressing. This helps empower students and gives you valuable insight into whether you’re meeting their needs.

By proactively implementing these strategies, you can create a more focused, respectful, and productive classroom environment.

Reporting an Incident

You can report incidents of disruptive behavior using our online reporting form here. Our office will review the report, follow-up with the student to discuss the incident, and determine if there was a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Our conduct process focuses on educating the students and detering similar behavior in the future. 

For concerns regarding a student’s mental health or behavior that would not be addressed in the Code of Conduct, review the list of concerning behaviors on the Student Assistance and Intervention Team’s webpage, and consider submitting a SAIT referral.

Threats

Disruptive behavior, as discussed here, does not include threats against faculty, staff, or students. Direct, indirect, and implied threats should be reported immdiately to the EKU Police Department by calling 859-622-1111.