Managing difficult situations

Use techniques such as ‘Thank you, x, perhaps we can hear from other people on this’, or ‘x, what do you think?’,

Use ‘wait time’ : ‘I’m giving you a minute to think about this’ - then choose who answers,

Limit whole group time by using pair and small group work.

Throw their questions to the whole group - if relevant.

If the question is not relevant, suggest they discuss it with their peers, or that you will address the question later, or refer them to google.

Don’t engage. Just thank them or smile, and move on.

Individual students sometimes are very demanding. They may, for example, demand immediate attention if they are late, or want you to cover material not on the course outline.

Remind the group that you cannot fill them in immediately if they are late as you will neglect other students. Rmind student of the groundrules and/or course outline.

Try simply stopping talking and look at the offenders. This will usually bring adults back to the whole group.

Avoid talking over students talking! They will only carry on thinking they are unheard.

If you have trouble stopping group work, agree how you will bring it to an end eg you will raise your hand/ring a bell.

Make it clear it is unacceptable in any way you can manage. It may be uninintentional (trying to be funny) or deliberate.

• You can remind the group about any ground rules you have established 'Remember we discussed....'

• You could say to the student; 'Although I know you didn't mean it to be taken this way, some people might be offended by ...'

• You could say to the whole group, without identifying an individual, that City Lit has a policy about not allowing comments that might be considered offensive or derogatory about particular groups, even if unintentional, and refer to the equality and diversity policy.

Stay calm and professional. Don’t engage.

Offer to discuss the issue with them later (in the break, or after class).

Move the group on.