In many articles, I have discussed how children are all individuals. We now have a very popular term that is used to explain how teachers must teach to all of the students as individuals and not as a class. That term is “differentiated instruction”.
When accepting this term you are understanding that students learn differently and must be taught with different strategies. Children react differently and respond differently. Children may have different behaviors among different peer personalities.
In any given classroom, a teacher is sure to experience several different personality and behavior types. Some children will be outgoing while others are more reserve. Some children will get into trouble and others will be no trouble. Some children will be academically high and others will struggle. Teachers should expect great diversity when teaching a group of children.
However, every few years a teacher will experience something drastic. Once in a while a group will have one student that stands out above and beyond the rest. This is usually an outgoing dominant personality that likes and enjoys the control of a crowd. This student was undivided attention regardless of whether the attention is good or bad.
This is the one student that usually controls the mood and attitude of the class. When the student is absent, the class runs smoother and more at harmony. When the child is present things may be more disarray and chaotic. The other children may respond negatively to the child.
So how is it that one child can have such a great impact on a class? I am not sure exactly how it happens but it most definitely can happen.
The effect of the student can be lessened by the teacher not allowing the child the control that he or she desires. Quickly cut the child off if he or she speaks out of turn or tries to dominant a class discussion. Try to refrain from continuously calling on the student first or letting the student have the first turn.
Students with Personal Assistants
Student Led Parent Teacher Conferences