Lack of respect from learners

Hi

As a teacher trainer I would really appreciate some help and opinions on a situation that I am having with a specific group.

I teach a music performance techniques class which is a self directed lesson, I am having trouble with gaining respect from these learners. At first they were great and would get on with any tasks that I set, however recently since they feel comfortable with me I have noticed they have been less motivated.
The lesson is self directed, during this time they practise a set list for their up and coming final performance.
As musicians you would think that practise time with their bands would be an ideal lesson. However when I approached them on a few occasions they have played their instruments while I am talking. I get the general 'whatever' sense of attitude and i am struggling to deal with this.

How would you deal with this? What would you say?

Please comment

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Permalink Reply by Marie G. on January 19, 2013 at 1:13pm

What consequences do you have in place for failure to be on task? Are the consistently implemented? The consequences might need to be put into place, made more serious, or enforced more strictly.

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Permalink Reply by Colin Chaplin on January 20, 2013 at 3:07am

Hi Melissa,

This sounds interesting! How old are they? Do they see your sessions purely as extra rehearsal time? And, do they think they know it all, or at least, do they think they know more than you? If this is the case, then I would perhaps think about levelling with them about certain areas of experience. Admit that you may not be able to play the guitar (forgive me if you can!!) but let them know with certainty that you have far more experience with lesson set-up, teaching, structure, and basically everything they need to know in order to be successful. Talk about successes you've had in other areas maybe? And if they want some of that, to simply listen...

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Permalink Reply by Roland Baggott on January 21, 2013 at 8:19am

Hi Melissa,

Sorry to hear about your current 'lack of respect' troubles. The students you refer to I assume are studying for a qualification that means they have to follow and complete modules? At the start of the session do you list out clear aims of the lesson including key times and learning steps they are expected to achieve. I believe the first 2 minutes of a lesson probably lays down how the overall behaviour will be. A clear plan will help you be able to keep the detractors on track and also allow you to warn risks of not achieving aims if the class is falling behind schedule. If you can plan a positive, enjoyable experience for the final 10 mins of the lesson, missing out on this might tip the balance in your favour.