How do you deal with a student who thinks it´s cute to be dumb?

Question

She thinks it´s so cool and funny that she´s the worst student and never gets an answer right. The other day she came to class all excited because she was arrested over the weekend (for drinking). I´ve tried everything I could think of: talk, ignore, etc. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

If she were just a class clown .. well those are usually because they are either bored or because they aren't understanding the material (so either they are too smart or not quite quick enough)... but in this case she's looking for attention ... she's screaming help me... but she needs help from people with a different line of experience from yourself. You should refer her to your school counselor... but do it privately if you can... don't let the other students figure out what is going on in other words. As far as when she is in class, be firm and consistent, when she acts out punish her accordingly and do it every time. She, even is she doesn't realize it, is craving structure and consistency in her life and though it will be tough at first, if you continue to do this she will give you respect and calm down in the long run. Don't just jump into this though.. hold her after class one day, sit down with her.. go over the rules and let her know exactly what will happen every time she does something.. and if possible take care of the discipline yourself, don't pass it off to the principal.. because passing it off to someone else weakens her view of your power and her respect there of.

I used to be a supervisor in an emergency shelter for troubled teens.. These are the steps you have to take.. but know that you can't save them all.. this is just the best we can do to save as many as possible.

Answer 2

You have to realize that this person is in serious trouble. She doesn't get social clues. She is not capable of understanding the depth of which you do. She's just not and you may not be able to help her with that.

This type of person is projecting what they want you to "believe" rather than 1. taking responsibility for their actions, and 2. Being honest with you and themselves. This is dangerous because their denial of their own feelings could potentially be their downfall. It is in this regard that you may be just so frustrated that you give up.

Equally, when your expectation is adjusted accordingly you can make a difference. What you can tell her is that you understand she’s hurting. You understand that this dumb act is just an act. You understand that she’s reaching out to someone to help, but hasn’t felt that anyone really cares. Connect with her on a very emotional depth level. She will come around. But she will reject it at first. Expect that. She wants to feel it. She’s scared. But right now she is no where near ready to get there on her own.

Then walk her through some things that you know. Show her people’s faces when she behaves a certain way. Explain to her in a loving and respectful way how her behavior is creating the world she’s so afraid of. You seem to be a bright woman. Show her how much you know by educating her. You’ll both be fantastic friends in the end.

Answer 3

Reccomend to the principal she be removed from regular school and sent to a continuation school..She is either a hopeless cause and a waste of time or she really has attention needs...it may seem harsh but maybe CPS needs to take a look at the home life..that could have a lot to do with it.
But from you statement she is going to end up dropping out getting pregnant and live on welfare or end up in jail most of her life and homeless.

Answer 4

Have you talked to her parents, found out whats going on at home. Sounds to me like she might have some crap going on at home and is craving the attention, positive or negative, just so long as she gets it. I know I have to try to find out whats going on with the kids in my class sometimes, and it usually has to do with something messed up going on at home. Dont forget the positive reinforcements when she is doing something right. WOW, you know I like how well you answered that. Or You came to class today, Im glad your here! (try to be happy about it, lol). Maybe she just needs someone to give her some attention, if so remarking when she does well, even the smallest things might make her feel good, maybe stop her acting out.

Answer 5

hey will if your her teacher then you should start a comfortable friendly chat with your class and ask them what qualities they find attractive in the opposite sex. then you should suggest that intelligence is a big turn on according to your male friends and how they think it shows maturity. keep going along that track and she'll realize how juvenile shes acting..i mean all girl want to appeal to older men!

Answer 6

Just ignore her and worry about yourself. All she wants is attention, so you just shouldn't give it to her. She'll make a fool out of herself and no one will like her, then she'll eventually stop. You could start to fail her, maybe give a call into her home to let her parents know what is going on.

Answer 7

i think kids who do things like that really just want attention, for example someone who cares n tells them there dissapointed in there actions. kids like this tend to appricaite privite care @ the end of class tell her that it's not cool to be the way she is and offer her help in class it works i used to be that gurl.

Answer 8

She will stop if you ignore. My sister had the same problem
so I know what to do!

Answer 9

Get her autograph
she very easily could be destined to be our President one day !!

Answer 10

huh...the next paris hilton huh??
ignore her...the best u can do...
just don't amaze by her action..
she is an intention grabber....