> Hi folks,
>
> I am facing, and dreading, a confrontation with a rather volatile student
> tomorrow, and I'd love to hear any advice you might have to prevent an
> explosion...
>
> This student is very entitled, if not downright spoiled, has an extremely
> low frustration tolerance, and is a bully. Her classmates have finally
> come to me to ask me to stop demanding their homework to copy and turn in
> as her own. I wish they'd stand up to her, but the buck must ultimately
> stop with me.
Yes, the buck does stop with you, and if you do not act, your students will
ultimately suffer (and blame you, not the bully).
I hate confrontation, and I wouldn't want to be in your shoes. But remember,
this is YOUR classroom, and you are the boss. Remember who is in charge
here.
> Most recently this student took a students paper, copied it, and then when
> I confronted her, lied to me and told me that she had worked with that
> student, which he (the guy whose paper she grabbed) denies.
Did you go back and explain to this bully that the other student denies any
such collaboration, and therefore such an action meets the criteria for
academic dishonesty -- grounds for failure, dismissal, etc.?
> How can I get the message across that her antics will no longer be
> tolerated in a way that won't cause a screaming match? Thanks in
> advance...
So, let her scream! She's possibly learned that screaming is a way to get
what she wants. Not this time.
You sound like you're intimidated by this student. I'm not trying to
psychoanalyze you, but my guess is you (like me and some others) don't
like conflict and are reacting to this student the same way everyone else
does. Someone (YOU) needs to push back (in an appropriate manner and
venue) to teach her a lesson. And again, if she's not willing to respond to
reason, then you have the right to threaten taking the appropriate action with
respect to her status/grade in the class.
My only other comment is to consider that if this bully continues to deny
everything, you're going to need the support of at least one other student
should you choose to take action (unless you have personally witnessed this
student's behavior).
Hmm...should you contact the university attorney? Have you discussed this
matter with colleagues, your department chair? Remember, you always
looks more credible when others are informed about what is going on before
the poop hits the fan.
Please update us, and thanks for sharing.
*************************************************************************
Jim Guinee, Ph.D. Director of Training, Counseling Center
Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Psychology/Counseling
Dept. of Health Sciences
President-Elect, Arkansas College Counselor Association
University of Central Arkansas
313 Bernard Hall Conway, AR 72035 USA
(501) 450-3138 (office) (501) 450-3248 (fax)
"God looks at the clean hands, not the full ones."
-Publilius Syrus
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