Student has experienced a temporary environmental change/problem/stress

Sometimes students will show a change in behavior due to various emotional stresses they are experiencing.  Your instructor once had a student who suddenly stopped doing all work, began goofing off with friends, and coming to class late.  When I confronted him about his poor performance, he indicated that his mother was just incarcerated, and his father had a heart attack over the whole situation.  His behaviors were simply a coping mechanism, or a cry for help in the midst of a very difficult family situation.

Potential Remedy

You as the teacher are often the most stable person in a student's life.  Your job as teacher includes supporting your students, often even counseling them through difficult times.  There is something to be said for "grace" in situations such as the one described above.  Although you must do what you can to continue to encourage the student in his studies, you must also try to help the student through the period of stress he is experiencing.

You can email Dr. McNair at jmcnair@calbaptist.edu

Copyright Jeff McNair/jeffmcnair.com