Dealing with Defiance

Anybody who has spent more than 15 seconds as a teacher knows about defiant students. In a class of otherwise docile learners there will always be that one kid who simply will not follow directions, put his phone away, or take out his notebook. I say "his" because the student is usually a boy, especially at the junior high and high school levels. But boy or girl, the problem is the same. You need the kid to follow directions, and they're not going for it. What do you do?

Well I think most teachers, even rookies, know what NOT to do. You know not to raise your voice or get emotional, because that just gives the defiant kid the pleasure of seeing you worked up. But you also know not to ignore him - that signals weakness to the whole class, something which is sure to cause problems later on if not immediately. But lets move away from the "don'ts" and into the "do's." Let me give you three quick tips for positive action you can take with a defiant student.

Tip #1 - make your expectations clear

Oftentimes, students are defiant or disruptive simply because they don't know what they're supposed to be doing. That may not be the teacher's fault - heck wasn't the kid paying attention when you gave the directions? But in any case, when you see a defiant kid, begin by walking over and calmly explaining what it is you want them to do AND what will happen if they don't. That second part is important. Make it clear that if they continue to slack off, they will be sent to the principal's office, given a detention, etc... They have been warned.

Tip #2 - bring the hammer down fast

Of course there will be students who are defiant not out of ignorance, but out of, well defiance. When you've warned a student once (never warn a student more than once) and they continue to disobey, it's time for the consequence. Politely ask the student to leave the room, or calmly pick up your phone and dial the office - whatever. What the consequence is doesn't really matter in this context. What matters is that you followed through. Defiant kid now understands you mean business.

Tip #3 - leave no doubt that you are in charge

There are times when you don't even need a consequence to correct a defiant student. Sometimes, especially for boys, simply making it clear that you are the authority figure will set things right. I vividly recall an episode I had not too long ago with a defiant student named Ryan. It was art class, and instead of art Ryan wanted to play on his laptop. When it became clear to me that this was a defiance issue, I walked over and gave Ryan my sternest teacher look. "Ryan," I said in a voice firm enough to carve marble, "you are not in charge here. I am going to check on you again in two minutes, and I expect your laptop to be put away and your art project to be out. If not, you will have a detention." Two minutes later Ryan was busy on his art project.