Welcome to the third post of the mini blog mini-series: Distance Learning Safety Protocols for the Educator and the Student. This mini-series was created to address various safety aspects of distance learning, including grooming, signs of child abuse, student medical emergencies, cyberbullying, and managing the online classroom. These blog posts can be used to help school districts address potential risks. Check out the blog for other posts in the series.

Distance learning has created a new way for school district employees to provide valuable instruction. However, even with the most sophisticated learning plan, the shift to a virtual learning environment can present unforeseen challenges. Students are faced with more distractions and new hurdles in their learning environment. This can ultimately lead to disruptive behaviors, which can quickly shift the atmosphere of the entire classroom. School district employees need to anticipate problems before they arise, but they also need to be sensitive when addressing disruptions and mindful of their responsibilities to the classroom.

Often students will engage in disruptive behavior to feel powerful or in control of a situation, and those that challenge authority may be looking for a confrontation. The following are some Do's and Don'ts when dealing with student disruptions:

Do:

  • Avoid the power struggle. School district employees should ask a student if there is something that can be changed. Putting the student in charge of the situation could diffuse it, and the student may no longer see it as a power struggle.
  • Pause and think before speaking. By taking a pause, a school district employee can potentially reduce the risk of saying something that could further elevate the disruptive behavior.
  • Maintain professionalism, and be aware of one's body language and tone. During virtual instruction, students may be more focused on the tone and emphasis that school district employees place on certain words. It is important to remember that even though school district employees may not be in traditional classrooms, the environment and interactions should remain the same.
  • Ensure responses to all confrontations or challenges are factual and relevant. A student that is challenging authority may be further provoked due to a response that is purely opinion.
  • If possible, state the problem and redirect the conversation. Ensure this is done without insulting or demeaning the student, provide feedback, and resume activities.

Don't:

  • Don't react to every distraction unless other students appear distracted. If one student is disruptive and not acknowledged, it may be most appropriate to ignore the behavior and address it after class. 
  • Don't let the student get a rise. Disruptive students are often looking for any possible way to create chaos.
  • Don't demean or insult a student. Demeaning or insulting an already frustrated student could send a message that the school district employee does not care for the student's feelings and will likely escalate the situation.
  • Don't use language that could make the student defensive such as a "you statement." Instead, use "I statements."  By using "I statements," school district employees can show students that they are merely trying to understand the student's actions versus assessing blame. When forming an "I statement," apply the following principals:
    • Focus on the behavior, not the student
    • Explain how the behavior or situation made you feel
    • Mention how the behavior impacts you or others
    • Describe or point to the desired behavior

For example, I feel hurt when I hear talking because it distracts me from my teaching. I appreciate it when you are listening; then, I know you are learning.

  • Don't try to get the last word. Fighting to get the last word in an argument only prolongs the argument. School district employees should maintain professionalism, address the problem, and attempt to move the class forward. School district employees are also encouraged to defer a disagreement or conversation to a later time when a private conversation can be had. 

If nothing else, school district employees should reflect on the challenges they may be facing and remember it's likely students are feeling the same way. By addressing these situations with professionalism and integrity, school district employees are also teaching their students that it is possible to diffuse disagreements or confrontations before they get out of hand. For further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to Risk Control.