Dealing with Disruptive Students

Although all disruptive behavior cannot be prevented, an instructor can create an environment that may dissuade certain behaviors. Some examples that may be helpful for professors are:

1. Demonstrate appropriate classroom behavior through interactions with students.
2. Use the classroom syllabus to inform students of acceptable standards for behavior and the penalties for infractions. In addition, set clear behavioral standards at the beginning of the course. This discussion time will aid in setting the tone of the course and will aid in keeping disruptions to a minimum.
3. Review the information in the syllabus during class time at the beginning of the semester.