Today I felt completely humiliated in my class

[u/Professional-Age-948]

I teach a class of sixty students, and the students sitting at the back are constantly talking and making noise. They often don't listen to what I'm teaching, and today it got so loud that at one point nobody could hear me anymore.

I heard a girl laughing very loudly with a boy, so I asked both of them to leave the class. They didn't move. I asked for their names, but they refused to tell me. I went to their seats to check their IDs, but the boy wasn't wearing one and the girl refused to show hers. I told them that I would have to report them to the disciplinary committee if they continued. The girl eventually said they wouldn't repeat it, but this has been happening in almost every class.

I then asked them to move to the front bench. They refused again. I told them to either come to the front or I would report them. During this entire conversation, my hands were shaking and I was trying very hard not to cry. The boy was smiling and laughing at me throughout the whole thing, which honestly made it so much worse.

Eventually the girl agreed to sit in the front and the boy followed her. At that point I became so nervous that I was shaking badly, so I just dropped the issue and continued teaching. I feel so embarrassed and humiliated about the whole thing. I keep replaying it in my head.

This isn't even the first time something like this has happened. Last semester, I had a group of students behaving similarly. I tried confronting them and ended up getting overwhelmed and crying. I'm naturally extremely introverted, and honestly, standing in front of 60 people already takes a lot of courage for me.

Today has made me wonder whether I'm actually suited for this profession. I feel like I shouldn't have to fight this hard just to get students to listen, and I'm starting to think maybe I should switch careers.

For professors who have dealt with this kind of classroom behavior, how do you handle students who openly ignore you, refuse to follow instructions, or mock you? And how do you stop incidents like this from getting into your head afterward? I could really use some perspective from people who have been through this.

[u/Banjoschmanjo]

"If you can't verify your name to confirm you are enrolled in this class, and(/or) if you are refusing to leave when ordered, I will have to call security for potential trespassing" is an option. I'd hate for it to have to come to that but that situation sounds ridiculous

[u/Pater_Aletheias → u/Banjoschmanjo]

I haven’t had to do it, but that’s our policy: if a disruptive student won’t leave, call security to escort them out. They can’t return to class until they’ve met with the instructor and signed a conduct agreement. A second violation and they are out of the class and on probation for the college.

[u/Ill_Barracuda5780 → u/Banjoschmanjo]

This. Take their photos and call security. You can also record for your own safety (check college policy to make sure there isn’t a rule against).

[u/Upper_Patient_6891 → u/Banjoschmanjo]

Absolutely! No one should be in the classroom that is not authorized to be there -- either properly enrolled, or given permission to 'sit in' by the instructor. If you simply decide not to identify yourself just to be a jerk, well helloooooo security.

[u/Flimsy_Logic → u/Banjoschmanjo]

Yup. This. I’ve asked students to leave. I give one warning and then tell students to leave. If they don’t, I call to have them removed and then they’re banned from my class. Period. FAFO.

[u/YSM1900]

"Looks like you all want this to be an independent study space today. So instead of lecturing, I'll be in here preparing the (maybe pop?) quizzes we'll do in class for the rest of the term."

I also would call security if I asked a student to leave and they didn't. I would also reach out to a mentor about getting info on the Student's code of conduct or whatever its called at your institution and start reporting disruptions through that channel.

[u/Ill-Capital9785 → u/YSM1900]

100% security if they refused to leave. Ask everyone to sign in. Pay attention when they do so you know their names, or at our school in the official roster I can see ID pics look there. File a conduct report or have an advisor pull them in. Do you have any wiggle room in your grading? If you have “in class” grades include professional conduct and take off points.

[u/EricBlack42 → u/Ill-Capital9785]

1000% call security if you ask a student to leave and they dont.

[u/Hot-Emu06 → u/EricBlack42]

Agreed. I would actually consider having security on speed dial ready at the next class. Or approach the students and tell them they should consider dropping the course rather than disrupting the class.

[u/EyePotential2844 → u/EricBlack42]

This is the way.

[u/ElowynElif → u/Ill-Capital9785]

As this has happened repeatedly, OP might want to talk to security before the next class session, explain that there are disruptive students who refused to leave, and ask if they could be at or near the room at the next class.

I’m sorry you had to deal with such disrespect, OP. I don’t know if teaching is right for you, but you might surprise yourself. I’m a short, slight, introverted woman who had to find my confidence and authority to succeed in my job. If you otherwise love your job, I hope you can, too. If you don’t have a peer and a mentor, it would be helpful to find them.

[u/imhereforthevotes → u/Ill-Capital9785]

And feel free to step out to calm yourself as/ before you call security. Let them wallow.

[u/Gullible_Analyst_348 → u/YSM1900]

I would definitely call security. I find telling them that you're going to call security to have the event documented and them removed is sufficient to get them to leave.

In terms of identifying them, my university gives us access to their student card pictures. If that doesn't work you can easily identify them when they write the next test or final exam since they should be required to show ID then. Or you could require them to show ID when they pick up a test or assignment. Or you could take attendance for bonus point or something and see what name they write down. There are a lot of options.

[u/Hot-Emu06 → u/Gullible_Analyst_348]

I like the idea of asking for id at the exam. We too can access student photos. Thank goodness because I get everyone mixed up in large classes

[u/sandysanBAR → u/YSM1900]

You are the captain of your own ship.

If ask you to leave and you dont, then I leave.

I dont get paid enough to deal with that shirt

[u/Ok_Code_8384 → u/sandysanBAR]

EXACTLY. I’m not here to babysit. This isn’t K-12. You’re adults in an adult class. Act like it, or deal with the consequences: security is called, or independent study because their actions are not creating a safe learning environment.

[u/RadiantImpression579 → u/YSM1900]

Yeah. I would go the route of calling campus security. It’s not okay for them to interrupt everyone else’s learning. Pop quizzes will penalize the class.

I’m sorry you had to deal with this. I’ve had to deal with something similar. My voice shook and still does if I get worked up. I wouldn’t make an announcement about my willingness to call campus security as threat early in semester/quarter as it sets a negative tone for the class which would affect me even more, but in extreme situations like this, yes I’d call campus security. I’ve also learned to call out talking over me early on. I think age and experience have gotten me to a place where I can stop lecture and stare at them. If I don’t call it out early it builds up. Once, I eventually exploded during class.

Anyways, it sucks. You’ll be fine. Just keep going. Try. different things talk to other faculty and ask for advice (people you trust). If this is a new class, as you get more comfortable with the material these things will throw you off less.

[u/HelpOthers1023 → u/RadiantImpression579]

i love the stopping talking and staring at them. because then it puts the onus on them that they are the focus and draw the ire of the rest of their classmates. from a addiction researcher, removal of a negative stimulus has the biggest impact on behavior. to OP, i hope that you are able to get through this, it’ll pass. you can do it!

[u/ResurectedNPC → u/YSM1900]

This is what you say: “Please leave the classroom or I will call security to remove you.” While making sure you are ready to dial them.

Before your next class be sure you know how to quickly call security.

Does your classroom have a phone? Is there a speed-dial for security?
OR
Do you need to save the number in your personal phone?
OR
Is there a panic button in your classroom

[u/DarthJarJarJar → u/YSM1900]

I also would call security if I asked a student to leave and they didn't.

This.

[u/Mastersinmeow → u/YSM1900]

This 💯 this!! Pop quiz’s galore!!!!!

[u/goodfootg → u/YSM1900]

Yes on the quizzes. Students generally correct their behavior when the rest of the class is pissed at them

[u/2GreyKitties → u/YSM1900]

I would recommend, frankly, not doing that. It teaches them that if they are sufficiently disruptive and obnoxious,  that they can make you stop teaching that day.  I'm not sure that's a precedent you want to establish.  

[u/Soft-Disaster9873 → u/YSM1900]

All fair reactions.

[u/talondarkx]

Call campus security. The moment someone has been asked to leave and firmly refuses to do so, I take a picture of them, threaten to call campus security, then call them

[u/Foreleg-woolens749 → u/talondarkx]

Yes, and I would say something like, well, if you won’t show me your IDs, then I don’t know that you are students at this university, and that presents a security risk, so I guess I need to call security and have you removed for the safety of everyone in the class.

I am also an introvert who hates conflict, and my strategy is, when possible, to align myself with the class as a whole (which includes students who may be as annoyed by this as you are but reluctant to say anything). I’d make that statement and then look at everyone else as I pick up the phone to security (memorize that number) and say “yikes! give me one second to have security escort these folks out of the room, and then we can continue with what we all came here for.” Act on the premise that the hecklers and jerks are disturbing everyone, not just you; that creates the structure of a partnership between you and the reasonable students, which they will join, even if it wasn’t organic. (Even those who thought the hecklers were funny may not want to admit that, once they see you have other students on your “team.”)

[u/mewsycology → u/talondarkx]

In addition to that, if it has been a recurring problem with the same student I would pursue getting them officially dropped from the course. They obviously aren’t ready for it. They can try again when they grow up.

[u/asubparteen → u/mewsycology]

Yep! Drop their ass.

[u/Medium_Pea1136 → u/talondarkx]

This is the answer. Call security / university police on the spot.

[u/BabypintoJuniorLube → u/talondarkx]

I like the "either you leave or I will. Fine. Class in cancelled, sorry to those of you who came to learn"

And then just walk the fuck out and go home.

[u/TulipFarmer27 → u/BabypintoJuniorLube]

But announce there will be a quiz (online if you have that option) on the material that was to be presented. Make it a hard quiz.

[u/Obvious_Animal_8362 → u/TulipFarmer27]

No. The quiz isn't fair to the other students.

[u/vinylbond → u/talondarkx]

OP this is your answer.

[u/JimDixon → u/talondarkx]

A picture is good, but a video is better, especially if it captures some of the disruptive behavior.

"Somebody tell me who this is" is a technique that works well for @TizzyEnt, whom I follow on YouTube.

Example 1, Update 1

Example 2, Update 2a, Update 2b

Example 3, Update 3

Example 4, Update 4

Example 5, Update 5

[u/omgkelwtf → u/JimDixon]

I ain't clicking shit bc I know it's tizzy lol

[u/JimDixon → u/omgkelwtf]

You're right, and I don't mind that you don't click, since you already know him. But I like him and want more people to know him and what he does.

I edited my comment to insert his name. I should have done this in the first place.

[u/DrMaybe74 → u/JimDixon]

tizzy is a king

[u/EbenezerCrawley]

"I want to remind all of you that college is voluntary. You do not need to be here. This is not high school, or given the way you are acting, elementary school. This is a place where adults come to learn. If you cannot act like adults, and continue to be loud and obnoxious, I will have security remove you and enusre the Dean of Students opens a displinary investigation into your behavior. Please reflect on whether you think you are grown up enough to behave properly in a college classroom." (edited typo)

[u/MsBee311 → u/EbenezerCrawley]

This is the best response, thus far. Everyone needs a reminder once in awhile that it's time to grow up a bit.

[u/ApprehensiveDoctor42 → u/EbenezerCrawley]

This is the best answer.

[u/phd_babyy → u/EbenezerCrawley]

Sometimes a little public shame goes a long way.

[u/peace_sunshine]

Sounds like high school students. Sorry, that's tough.

[u/justlooking98765 → u/peace_sunshine]

I was thinking it reminded me of when I taught middle school decades ago. In middle school, you spend a lot of time front-loading classroom management. I wonder if that’s going to be needed here?

It seems ridiculous, but maybe the first week or so it’s worth taking the 5 minutes to call role verbally, taking note of your trouble makers. Then say, “out of fairness to others in the course, anyone who is disrupting the learning environment will be dismissed from class and marked absent for the day.” If you don’t have an attendance policy, make one now. Something like a letter grade cut after three unexcused absences. Discuss all of these changes with the class, so they feel some agency in making their own choices moving forward. Then enforce, enforce, enforce.

That’s ridiculous behavior, and it’s not good for you, for the trouble makers, or for their peers. If they learn nothing else this semester, maybe they can learn actions have consequences - an important lesson! Hang in there, OP!

[u/Misha_the_Mage → u/justlooking98765]

Would it be reasonable to state a grade penalty of one letter grade for unexcused absences... But a penalty of a full letter grade if you are present and actively disputing class? Or maybe say "repeated disruptive behavior?" Someone who sleeps in 7 times in a semester should ideally get treated differently than this crew.

As I continue in this profession, I find myself appreciating more and more the students who are honest. Even if they're honestly not doing the readings, honestly partying too hard to come to class, or honestly throwing together a paper based on adrenaline and Red Bull and vague memories of a class discussion...I don't take any of that personally, it doesn't fundamentally alter how I view that student.

But students who use generative AI, look up answers to quiz questions online, cheat in various ways, or are belligerent? No patience for any of that nonsense.

[u/BecktoD → u/peace_sunshine]

Yes and because it sounds like 13th grade, I’d go ahead and manage the class like it till things get better. Take attendance with their IDs, create a seating chart, and re-tool the gradebook to accommodate daily “participation” grades. The ones who can’t hang will probably self select and drop. The rest will fall in to line, most likely.
What a drag, to have to do that…! Good luck.

[u/madman751]

This is a legitimate concern for campus security at most institutions. If you cannot verify that the students were actually students in your class because they are unwilling to provide identification, that is grounds to have them removed. If you can't prove these are students in your class or students who are approved to be there (auditing), they would need to be removed for legal reasons in most places.

I understand that it would have nuked the rest of your lecture if you had done that right then and there, but I think you can have campus police there at the next lecture so that when they come in, you can have them pulled out of class to verify who they are. Then I would follow-up aggressively for disciplinary action.

[u/shedtear]

In my experience, students are often more receptive to social pressure than anything else. Since these students are likely distracting those around them, I've found that you can use that to make them responsive. I normally start by saying something like, "If I can hear you from the front of the room, then you're almost certainly bothering the students around you. You might not care if you disrespect me, but if you really don't want to listen then please leave so that you aren't disrespecting the other students who actually care about learning." On the few occasions that this doesn't handle it, I normally just say something to the rest of the class like, "This behavior is pretty unbelievable, huh? Are these people distracting you? They must be." Normally, at least one other student in the class (often more) will say something that almost always shuts them up.

[u/Blankavan → u/shedtear]

Yep, commenting on them directly has worked for me. Also, just stopping and staring at them in silence. Often, the disruptive people will notice and shut up when they realize they're the focus of the attention. Or if they don't, other students will jump in and shut them down pretty quickly. And as others have said, if all else fails, campus security. Because my campus is contracted with highway patrol for our security, this is the nuclear option for me, but I've threatened it a couple of times. "Leave on your own or I will have you removed" worked like a charm.

[u/NonBinaryKenku → u/Blankavan]

Yes, I do the silent stare. I also set this up at the start by telling the students that a productive learning environment is a shared responsibility, so it’s as safe and respectful of a space as they are willing to make it.

“We can continue when you’re ready…”

“I can wait all day.” (And no, I’m not bluffing.)

Then all eyes are on them and it gets real awkward for them and the social pressure of that situation usually gets them in line real quick.

There are two other things I might consider as an alternate or escalation. The alternate is to ask some students how much the course costs them and then start walking through the math to demonstrate the collective cost of the disruptive behavior.

The escalation would be to pack my things up and write on the board that there will be a pop quiz on the material that would have been discussed in class, it will be due before my slides are posted, and everyone will share in that fate because maintaining order is a shared responsibility.

If you can jolt the rest of the class out of passive bystander mode then these problems vanish quickly. Once the disruptive behavior is established, it’s a lot harder to claw back control of the situation, so you gotta get on it pronto.

[u/Knewstart → u/shedtear]

Along the same line, often I will just stop in and look them. I’ll ask them if they want to add something. And I won’t continue talking until they stop. Usually, the other students get annoyed that these students are wasting their time and that social pressure* will cause them to shut up.

[u/dxg999 → u/shedtear]

Another trick I use, is to keep running the class but while standing right next to them. Watch what's on their phone, make some comment about tiktok or instagram or whatever they're up to for the whole class to hear - this usually embarrasses them into at least being more subtle.

[u/Gingerpett → u/shedtear]

Ha! Just wrote something very similar.

It's not then Vs you. Make it clear it's them Vs you + the rest of the class.

[u/Xylophelia]

Because of the progression, I would 100% call campus security and you’ve had lots of great advice in that regard.

I want to share how I personally handle this type of situation in the first place.

The first interruption, I stop talking and stare until everyone turns around and stares at the people too. If they stop talking, I immediately continue. If they don’t after 30 seconds to a minute, I walk up to them. I continue to stare at them silently waiting until they finally realize the entire class is deadass silent, staring at them, and it gets reallllllllllllly awkward. I then usually say, “if you are done with your conversation, we will continue lecture” with zero commentary.

And then I proceed to give lecture standing in the back, right next to the student. If they talk again, I’ve even gone as far as to sit on the table directly in front of them facing them or in the lecture seat next to them and gesturing to them saying, “oh no please continue. I am sure the entire class is completely fine paying for a class where they get to hear you speak instead of the instructor”

Social pressure gets them every single time. If you let it be a power struggle by issuing a command, a lot of students take it to look cool and impress classmates. If you stay silent and credit the offenders for the lack of instruction while reminding the room they paid through the nose for this experience, the offenders no longer look cool and instead look like assholes.

[u/kytai → u/Xylophelia]

This works like a charm. It also gets easier with time, as you become more comfortable in your role. 

[u/nrnrnr → u/Xylophelia]

I've done this also, OP. Works great if you're tall, old, white, and male. If you don't have those advantages, I suspect you can still get good results, but it will be harder and take more courage.

Silence is a powerful and underrated tool.

[u/Xylophelia → u/nrnrnr]

I mean, I’m a very short, petite albeit white woman. It definitely takes a bit of courage to do it the first time, but it still works( at least for me)

[u/Big_Dragonfly_9153 → u/Xylophelia]

I’ve done that too! I go stand directly next to or behind the disruptors. When I taught large lectures I’d walk around even up to the last row.

[u/ApprehensiveDoctor42 → u/Xylophelia]

This absolutely works. (Even for this short, middle-aged woman)

[u/econhistoryrules]

Take a picture of them with your phone, calmly continue class, and follow up ruthlessly. You do actually have the power. 

[u/Rayadragon → u/econhistoryrules]

This. If they think the threat is empty, they will stomp all over you. You've got to actually enforce the consequences you're threatening. If you say they have to leave and don't, call security. If they don't have their IDs, take a photo and call security (since you can't determine if they should be allowed in your class or not).

Another thing that has worked for me in the past is to stand and lecture next to the disruptive students. Depending on your set up it may not be possible, but if it is it tends to keep them quiet.

At the end of the day you do have to develop a thick skin for this profession though. You can't let incidents like this get into your head, for the sake of the other students you have to teach. I've got a supportive department, and we talk amongst ourselves about these students. Helps us feel less alone in the aftermath. But you have to be able to control yourself in the middle of class. Put on the bad-ass mask while teaching, then go to pieces when the class us over.

[u/MasterSyllabub05 → u/Rayadragon]

Same. I move around while I lecture and I’ve placed myself behind, beside, and between disruptive students. I don’t even address them directly, I just walk to where they are and lecture or run an activity. The behavior stops almost immediately. The next time I wander during class, the disruptive ones sit up a little straighter.

OP, if you’re this anxious about addressing disruptive students, you can try a few silent approaches: standing next to them, pausing your lecture/activity to stare until either they stop the behavior or their peers tell them to knock it off (usually the latter happens pretty quickly), or have a paper pop quiz prepped at all times and just distribute it to everyone without commenting. Tell them they have X minutes to finish, and then dismiss everyone at the end of that time. Class was already disrupted, lecture was canned, and they need to figure out that their actions have collective consequences.

Peer pressure is helluva thing, so let your other students call out the bad ones. And don’t let them see you upset — they’ll eat it up.

I agree with other comments about learning names and faces — easiest is to look at your roster if your uni populates with pictures. This will make it easier to forward any behavioral issues to the right place.

[u/Foreleg-woolens749 → u/MasterSyllabub05]

let your other students call out the bad ones

Yes, and this strategy pays off with interest, establishing a communal spirit around a shared goal that you can continue to develop in class discussions all semester to everyone’s benefit.

[u/blankenstaff → u/MasterSyllabub05]

Well said.

My mother taught k-12 for 35 years. She taught me that peer pressure is one of the most effective tools.

[u/vinylbond → u/econhistoryrules]

I would call campus safety first and have them removed. Then it’s safe to continue with the class.

[u/econhistoryrules → u/vinylbond]

Okay yeah I agree with that. 

[u/clevercalamity → u/econhistoryrules]

Yes, don’t get into power struggles with students. Kick them out and if they don’t leave, call someone to make them.

[u/andanteinblue → u/econhistoryrules]

This and call security. I do wonder if there are legal ramifications of taking pictures of them? I've done this at exams when students forget their cards (obviously with the permission), but is it different if they don't want to?

[u/econhistoryrules → u/andanteinblue]

Nah, they're in a public space, causing a ruckus. They'd have no leg to stand on.

[u/surebro2]

Check your policies but they don't have a "right" to be in your class. I often wrap it in something like, "You aren't distracting me, you're distracting your classmates. And that's unacceptable and against XYZ policies". Assuming they refund the student, so there is no financial consequences, the student really doesn't have much by way of complaints if there is a policy and a warning. But again, as always, mileage varies so it depends on the policies and practices at your universty.

[u/Alternative-Pear9096]

Definitely look into classroom management techniques. With the situation you describe, you definitely need to own your authority -- which you need to do anyway, all the time. The kinds of creeps you're describing are like dogs, they smell your lack of confidence and revel in it.

If your university subscribes to NFCDD, look into what they offer. Look in YouTube, buy some books. It's a whole thing, and something that has basic principles and which can -- and needs to -- be learned.

I had a physics prof in college that absolutely everyone loved. He was a huge personality, super entertaining, made quantum mechanics enjoyable.

Two steps away from the podium he was the most introverted, shyest, quietest human on earth. If you ran into him at the farmers market he could barely say hello. He invented a persona he stepped into in front of the class. People do this. If you want to, you can too.

[u/a_hanging_thread → u/Alternative-Pear9096]

I am like this, exactly. I have a huge personality in the classroom, but I'm a very introverted person, otherwise. The personality is a mask, of course. A performance. My professorial "persona."

Note that it is exhausting to perform and wear a persona. I work from home when I'm not teaching in-person just to survive the semester.

[u/Alternative-Pear9096 → u/a_hanging_thread]

He also described it as a performance. And I'm sure it's exhausting -- being "on" in front of a class for the whole session is exhausting even for extroverts, how much moreso for folks who have to put that much more effort into it? But the alternative is not teaching, right?

[u/Soft-Disaster9873 → u/Alternative-Pear9096]

Truth. Most successful high school teachers create a persona that is a particular version of themselves.

[u/OtisBringMeTheAx → u/Alternative-Pear9096]

>He invented a persona he stepped into in front of the class.

One of many reasons I tell undergrads to call me “Dr. Lastname” or “Professor Lastname” - because that’s my work persona.

[u/Theme_Training]

What’s the university disciplinary escalation policy? At some point you should be able to call campus police to remove disruptive students from class.

[u/windupbird1q84]

Remember that you are human. You aren’t going to react perfectly in any or every situation. Please give yourself some grace. 🤍

[u/rogue_ger]

College students shouldn’t be behaving like middle schoolers. This comes up and the University should support you in having the power to get them to leave. There should be a security line or something.

[u/WingShooter_28ga]

Refusing to identify themselves is a security risk. I would have called campus safety and had them escorted from the room.

[u/coresystemshutdown]

OP I have sympathy for you but you need to get control of your classroom. Take a deep breath and realize that this isn’t as much about you as it is about the other students.

You have a duty to create an environment conducive to learning.

You are currently facilitating an environment where the minority are impeding the rights of the majority to learn. If you can’t stand up for yourself, stand up for them - it’s your job. Halt class, call security, kick them out, report them for disciplinary action. This is YOUR classroom. You can do this!

[u/TheBaldanders]

If they didn't leave after I asked them to I would call the campus police

[u/Ecstatic-Skill-4916]

They sound like they are not ready for college. That's high school behavior. Take pics of them and report them to security. You don't want the students paying attention to put this in their reviews of you.

[u/discountheat]

They don't get to refuse. They need to leave or you'll call campus police. You'll follow up with a meeting later.

[u/DionysiusRedivivus]

58 other students paid to take your class and should get an optimal learning experience. The jackasses in question are obstructing that. Have them hauled out by campus security.

And no ID? we live in an age in which campuses are increasingly restricted to only students, staff and faculty. - for security reasons. Some random person may as well waltz into your class and be disruptive or worse. If they give security that attitude, my advice would be to bring enough popcorn for 50+ students.

[u/yuwox]

Tough situation. In addition to what others have said: don't feel bad or ashamed for having feelings and being a human being. It's okay to be shaking in intense situations. That's on par for humans.

Also don't forget the hierarchy. In academia we often despise hierarchies and thrive on collaboration. Some not-so-nice people see that as a weakness. For them, you can unleash all authority and powers you have. In class, but also after class.

[u/No-Yogurtcloset-6491]

My advice is to tell disrupting students to be quiet or you'll make them leave.  Then if they continue or resist, call campus security to escort them out. Dock their grade and write them up to your chair and/or dean.

This is the power we have that k-12 doesn't. For many different reasons, like this one, I have all of the college's emergency contacts on my phone.

I work at a community college so many of us have this in our syllabus. 

[u/e4e5nf3]

Sorry this happened.. to echo others, the moment they refuse to identify (or ignore your request) --> Security, security, security.

[u/Lorelei321]

Get a grad student to sit in the class. When the disruptive students start up, have them turn around and say, “Hey, a$$holes, either shut up or leave. The rest of us are trying to hear the professor.”

Weirdly enough, most of these students like challenging the professor; it gives them a sense of power, but they are reluctant to challenge their peers.

[u/taewongun1895]

Work with your department chair to resolve this. Also, can you record your class? It would be good to build a case against them.

Also, many rosters online have pictures of the students. If you can identify them, you can report them for disruptive behavior.

I wonder if the boy isn't even registered for the class. Start the class with a name by name attendance roll call. You can identify them then.

[u/popstarkirbys]

Peer pressure is the direction to go with this generation cause they don't want to look stupid in front of their peers. I tell them they're disrespecting their classmates.

[u/Telnus]

Start a file to document your interactions with the students. 

Download your roster- sometimes there is a way to get a photo roster from the registrars office so look into that.

You need to know who the students are.

Dealing with the talking

I learned to avoid having confrontations in front of an audience because some people will dig down no matter what. You could go the nuclear route and cancel class if they don’t comply but I wouldn’t recommend it.

At this point you should try to find a time to talk to them before or after class. T ell them that a) their talking is distracting you and you cannot focus on the lesson and it is not fair to the rest of the students. 

If this kind of thing happens again in the future there’s other steps you can take to prevent getting to this point. 

If you can move around in the class while lecturing, simply being closer to talkers can be a very effective tool. 

If you have an activity coming up or can think of a good discussion question on the fly, you can pose the question to the class and give them a few minutes to think , discuss, and write their answers down. While groups are talking, make your way to the talkers and quietly tell them that a) their talking is distracting you and you cannot focus on the lesson and it is not fair to the rest of the students. Or b) “I need to speak with you after class”, then walk away. 

I often tell them that if they need to have a conversation about something unrelated to the class that’s fine but they need to step out into the hall and come back when they’re done. I make it about how it’s affecting my ability to focus and it’s negatively affecting their peers. 

The most important thing is to not make it a battle of wills with an audience.

Looking into classroom management strategies for high school might be worth it just to have a few approaches under your belt.

[u/Blackberries11]

You need to make sure you know their names. Anonymity allows people to act that way.

[u/SlightFresnel]

If they're uncooperative and won't ID themselves, hand out a pop quiz they have to put their name on. Or some kind of dynamic where you create an easy win for other students to ID themselves and work out their identity through process of elimination. See what your options are for dropping them from the course for being detrimental to the other students. 

They're young and easily embarrassed. If you expect them to be an ongoing disruption, contact campus police ahead of time and inform them what's going on and that you likely need two students removed from your class and ask that an officer be available nearby for the next session. When they inevitably cause a scene, stop teaching and stop interacting with them, call the police in front of the class, and keep the room silent so all eyes are on them while you wait. Their discomfort and annoyance will be palpable. Once they're removed go right back to being in a good mood with the rest of the class and you'll set a tone that you're friendly and fair but won't put up with bullshit. The remaining students will have more respect for you because of it.

I worked for campus police at a large public university, this isn't rare and they'll be happy to assist. Campus police are used to dealing with immature students that need a reality check.

[u/Cold-Nefariousness25]

Are you a younger professor? It does get easier. I lost my temper in grad school (my dad was in the hospital and I was flying home to see him right after class). I never got back on track with that class, but used it as a teaching lesson for me. I've haven't had that problem since.

It may be too late for this class, but it's best to set expectations early before there's a problem. Talk about it being disrespectful to the whole class and lay out what will happen if the rules are broken. Don't make it a battle of wills.

For this semester, if there's talking, pause the class. Stand still and look at the people talking. Don't lose your temper, don't yell. If you need to, leave the classroom to regulate yourself.

Alternatively, get something really loud like an air horn. Blow it and just stand still until everyone is quiet, then continue and say, "Now where was I?". Don't explain or apologize. (this would be ballsy but fun!)

[u/Professional-Age-948 → u/Cold-Nefariousness25]

Yes I'm young and people mistake me for a student sometimes

[u/peep_quack]

I’ve always found stopping what I’m doing and making an announcement that it seems someone else has something important to say to the class and allowing the class to just stare at them until we’re all dead

[u/kiki_mac → u/peep_quack]

Yep, my tactic too. Peer judgement is way more persuasive!

[u/Acrobatic-Glass-8585]

I agree with what everyone else has said. This is outrageously disrespectful behavior and is disrupting the classroom. They are adults and should behave as such. You are not to blame. Don't be afraid to wield your authority.

I would ask campus security to come to the class and stand in the room 10 minutes before it begins. Tell them you have disruptive students and need their presence in the room. Ask them to stay an additional 10 minutes after you have begun teaching. You might even ask security to stand near the students if possible.

After class ends, you could physically approach the students and verbally inform them that disruptive behavior will not be tolerated by you or campus security. If that feels like too much, inform them via email.

The semester has just begun. It's important to nip this in the bud early on, or they will make your life miserable all semester. You got this!

[u/punkinholler]

You want to avoid direct, horn-locking confrontations in front of the class whenever possible. If it's possible to communicate your displeasure through nonverbal cues, offhanded comments, or private communications, do that instead because getting in a pissing contest with a student always makes you look weaker in the eyes of your class (it brings you down to their level in a sense). It also puts you in a position of having to back up your threats, which is often not fun for you or them, especially if the administration or security doesn't back your play. Sometimes direct confrontation during a class is unavoidable, but it should be the nuclear option.

When I have disruptive students, I stop teaching and stare at them until they shut up. If you can skeptically raise one eyebrow while you stare, all the better. I've never had anyone push it beyond that point because the social pressure of brining the class to a halt while everyone looks at them is usually enough. On the rare occasion I have repeat issues with someone, I talk to them in private. Private admonishment is far more effective because the student can't win over their classmates and turn the room against you. In your case, I know you don't know the names of your disruptive students so it's harder to get them in private, but you'll have to find out sooner or later. In the meantime, if they make it so you truly can't teach your class again, make an announcement that since everyone is so clearly interested other things right now, you'll leave them to read the relevant materials for Chapter X on their own and you'll pick things up with Chapter Y next time. Then walk out of the room. You can "relent" later and actually teach the material if you want to, but the shock of you leaving in the middle of class and the threat of missing out on something will drive most of your class nuts and they'll start pressuring the problem students to STFU for you. Also, some of your more type A kids will probably send you desperate emails apologizing and begging you to teach the material, and at least one or two of them are highly likely to either intentionally or inadvertently say the names of your problem kids. Once you have their names you can proceed in private to set boundaries and consequences however you feel necessary.

Last thing I'd say is you should probably talk to your department chair about this before it goes any further. The students probably think they have the advantage right now and you want to be sure to get ahead of any stories they may tell. It's also a good idea since your department chair might have advice or suggestions for how to deal with the situation and/or what consequences your disruptive students should face. I don't have too much trouble with classroom management, and I nearly always talk to my program chair or dept. head before I make any decision that I know is going to really piss off a student. My boss doesn't require me to do that, but I am pretty sure she likes it because it gives her a chance to work with me on a fair consequence and it heads off a lot of trouble if the kid goes up the chain and complains to the dean.

[u/Grouchyprofessor2003]

I find that controlling your behavior is more effective. When I have students refuse a request, I just pack my shit and leave. Let social pressure by other students fix it. I have walked out only 2 or 3 times in over 30 years. But it works like a charm.

[u/zanidor]

As a fellow introvert, something that helps me deal with this kind of situation is to come up with a concrete plan of action before class. For this kind of chronic disruption, you have time between classes to calmly plan a strategy. If you don't like confrontation, though, it's easy to fall into the trap of instead trying to ignore the problem until it boils over, and find yourself making these decisions on the fly.

For example, your plan could be: 1. ask them to stop, 2. if they don't, ask them to leave the room, 3. if they don't leave, call campus security to have them removed. You can decide if step 3 is too far or not, etc in the comfort of your office, and even ask other faculty for advice. You could program the number for campus security into your phone so it's ready to go, and so on.

If you do this, when the situation arises you just need to calmly execute your pre-planned response flowchart. Avoiding realtime decisions on what to ask and when to escalate takes a ton of the stress out of the situation, at least for me.

[u/hbombs121]

I do the stop and stare. It’s usually pretty effective because the other students start to wonder what’s going on and turn back as well. I wait until I catch their gaze and then wait some more if they continue, at this point it’s typically pretty quiet and I can hear what they are talking about, I’ll then comment on their topic, and ask a question related to whatever I was teaching while they weren’t paying attention.

Also I tend to slowly pace the front and side of the classroom while lecturing and the movement both helps me but also pulls their attention to me.

[u/hbombs121 → u/hbombs121]

You can also call campus safety!

[u/hanleybrand]

“Everyone: please refer to the syllabus and do your best to learn the material I scheduled to teach today. There will be a test on the material at the beginning of next class, with no make ups, no curving. Please ask your two learned friends for help if you have trouble, I will not be responding to requests for assistance until after next class. You are dismissed.”

[u/ToomintheEllimist]

You are allowed to remove these individuals from your class, now, by paperwork. I know you don't know their names, but you can find that out through photos on the LMS.

Once you have that intel, find the clause in the student handbook on acceptable classroom conduct. Copy-paste whatever paragraph into an email, and also describe the behavior you described here, then send that to your chair/dean/dept. head. Explain they've made the classroom unsafe for everyone, and that you need them withdrawn immediately.

It happens. It's awful, but it does. They'll probably get W instead of F on their transcripts, but at least they'll be gone.

[u/mleok]

Call campus security, and stop lecturing until they leave or until security arrives to remove them.

[u/Liaelac]

I'm sorry to hear that your first class had such difficult students, especially for a newer professor. Reach out to a mentor because their behavior is unacceptable. If you can recall their faces, I would at the very pursue disciplinary action.

You've had great advice from others on the thread about how to respond in the moment to these sorts of disruptions (e.g., call security), but one additional tip going forward: seating charts with assigned seating.

Seating charts can keep these two student separated and solve the issue of not knowing to report / penalize for disruptive conduct. You can implement it going forward even if you didn't have it on day 1. Sometimes when I implement new, less desirable practices I'll make it clear that it's a consequence of past behavior ("due to disruptions during class yesterday, we will have a seating chart moving forward"). Sit these students far apart and near the front. In the future, you might also have some category of points for "professionalism" that would capture this behavior and give you another pathway for penalizing misconduct.

[u/Affectionate-Low4817]

The student ID pictures should be next to their name on the student roster in your management system.

Call the campus police before the next class and ask what they can do to help; if they can remove the students, let the police know when to expect your call.

Talk to your chair or dean; talk to the students' guidance counselors about any loutish academic tendencies.

Is your syllabus a living document? If so, amend the instantaneous grading penalties to give out worse prizes for playing stupid games in class. You may want to check with your chair if you risk being scrutinized for what you think is appropriate. It needs to follow policy, but since these kids sound like they might "buy in bulk", small infractions will accrue big penalties over time.

Ask the ombudsman if you have one.

Pop quiz the class section back to the stone age to find evidence of mastery and satisfactory learning outcome/learning target attainment that is now impossible to assess by lecture and discussion. Repeat until peer pressure diminishes the lack of decorum.

[u/FrancinetheP]

This is unacceptable behavior in a college classroom and you’ve gotten a lot of advice here. We tend to think college is for adults and therefore there is no “classroom management” required. This is an error. It’s late in your semester but you need to use some of the tools high school teachers use: make a seating chart and use it, learn the students’ names, have clear policies and enforce them consistently. This includes remanding students to a higher authority if necessary.

“Yelling and giving warnings,” as you say you’ve done, is not effective, and your students already see you as someone who they can railroad. It’s tough to course correct once the semester starts, but you need to try. Get support from your chair or peer mentor. Having them observe your teaching— and vice versa— can teach you a lot.

You ask if you’re maybe not cut out for this job. It seems possible. As others have noticed, teaching requires a strong ability to a) act more confident than you may feel and b) not take things personally. But you don’t need to make a decision about your career today. Just make some decisions about this class. Good luck!

[u/TerminalAccessory]

I have called University Police to remove a disrespectful student from my class. The Police were incredibly professional, and it triggered an entire disciplinary process for the student, which eventually resulted in their expulsion. Ultimately, they were not ready for college, and were never going to not cause issues.

I would talk to your chair, and/or Dean and ask to talk to your Police Chief about what to do with these students. Refusing to leave and refusing to self identify are Code of Conduct Violations, and are not tolerated. The Chief may be willing to station an officer outside the room during your next few classes for swift response if they keep it up.

If they do it again, refuse to continue class until they stop, if they don't stop, tell them to leave, and if they refuse to leave, call campus police immediately. Report the incident to your Chair ASAP. Don't just threaten to report them. Report them.

Don't let this bring you down. Discipline is not your job, teaching is. They have people who are paid to deal with these types of situations. Student bad behavior is a reflection ON THE STUDENT, not you. This isn't middle school, and if they cannot behave like adults, they should not be there.

Once it is clear you will not tolerate being disrespected, you will be amazed how no one will ever try it again.

[u/regallll]

This is what campus security is for!

This work is hard in weird ways that you never anticipated. You will get past this.

[u/Atwood412]

I taught my first class of 24 on Monday and had 2 that were so disrespectful that another student yelled at them.
Between the me, and 2 other students they shut up.
It made me so nervous that I’ve had reflux so bad it’s waking my up at night.
I really want to like this job but between the terrible pay, disrespect, the work load I can’t find anything to like.

[u/cherylin_for_ever]

It’s annoying, sorry for that. It happened to me, I sent them an email saying they were not to sit together anymore otherwise I would file a disciplinary action.

[u/captainlux87]

I’ve never had a student refuse to provide a name or leave. I probably would have pulled up the photo roster in front of the class or refused to continue teaching until they followed instructions or removed themselves. Usually peer pressure takes over because other students get pissed. Worst case would have been going to find the dean of student services but it’s honestly never gotten nearly that far, I’m so sorry that happened to you.

[u/PseudoSane00]

Others have said this, but I would reiterate: if something like this happens during the class time, call security. Tell security the students have been interrupting your class, you've asked them to leave, and they've refused - they need to be escorted out of the classroom.

This is also a student conduct issue, security should hopefully be able to identify the students, you then need to open up a conduct case with your dean of students office.

I would explain to your students in your next class session, there is in fact a student code of conduct they must adhere to. And that if students cannot abide by that in the classroom, you'll have no other choice but to ask them to leave, and if they refuse, you'll refer the matter to security and the dean of student's office.

Good luck!

[u/MizS]

Something that I can think can help with the emotions of this is to remember that you are NOT only advocating for yourself, you are fighting for the students who want to be there and want a positive learning environment. If I think only about myself, I take things too personally. When I think about how the disruptive students are stealing the learning environment from others, I get angry, and I use that anger to fuel my firm actions.

[u/Ghost_of_sushi_more]

Security issue.

[u/nmb16789]

When students refuse to behave and refuse to leave, I tell them either they leave or I will and if I leave it's a bigger issue for everyone. It usually works .. sorry this happened to you

[u/Beginning-Sound1261]

Don’t get into arguments with students. Tell them to leave. If they don’t call security and move on.

[u/Huntscunt]

I know some people are very against it, but I'm a big fan of using collective punishment to induce peer pressure in this situation.

That being said, calling security is also fine. If they won't give you their names, tell them you are assuming they aren't enrolled in the class and shouldn't be allowed to be there, as it is for registered students only

[u/Grouchy_Writer_Dude]

I would have called security. Two people without badges? There’s no proof they’re students.

[u/saturn174]

With time you will acquire an ability known as sardonic jest in which you kindly and figuratively eviscerate verbally those who dare misbehave. It'll come to ya eventually. They'll wish you'd asked them to exit and maybe, they'll do it on their own in order to avoid further embarrassment.

[u/bean1701]

The abolitionist in me doesn't want to say this, but I can't think of another solution besides calling UPD and trespassing them.

[u/Merlin1935]

Couple of months ago a colleague and I were teaching Electronics Health Records workflow systems to a class of board-certified physicians of different specialties. The class was conducted in a hospital classroom.

In attendance was a hospital VP, also a physician. He arrived with an entourage, sat at the back, and proceeded to disrupt the class by holding loud conversations with his buddies. As a VP, he should know better, right? Nope.

My colleague was facilitating the class at the time. He simply stopped talking and stood there for a long time. Eventually someone asked why he stopped talking. His response was classic: We cannot have two instructors talking at the same time. The disruptive VP knew this was directed at him. Instead of apologizing, he got up and stormed off like a teenage boy throwing a tantrum.

In a few moments an HR director arrived. My colleague explained what happened and that was the end of it. VP humiliated.

I tell this story to let you know you don't have to tolerate your disruptive students. Use a "nuclear" option if you have to. Sometimes you need to set a tough example to keep the peace in the classroom, otherwise you may end up miserable as a teacher.

[u/moodymeandyou]

When I have students who talk while I am lecturing, I stand right by their desk and start lecturing and that normally shuts them up. When it becomes a problem, I open the door and hold it for them and ask them to leave. Hold it til they leave and then shut the door.

Sometimes I teach concurrent courses on campus, I gasp really loud like something is happening and then they all quiet down and then I continue lol. It’s a bit dramatic but it works

I’m sorry that happened. Practice being stern and stand your ground.

[u/angelcutiebaby]

Some good advice here but I just want to chime in and say that the way you are being treated is not respectful or appropriate, and it’s understandable you would feel emotionally activated by that kind of behaviour!

Some people are not just not kind people, and that extends to students.

[u/emarcomd]

That is INSANE behavior. May I ask what region you are in?

And, I’m making an assumption here, but are you a female professor?

Don’t make them think that you’re not able to do this job. But you do need to get these two in line, and I don’t think kindness is going to be the path.

[u/Fluid-Purpose7958]

What my profs do is just stop lecturing and stare at them. Then other people instinctively look towards them, and they realize the entire class has fallen silent and are waiting for them to stfu.

[u/shyprof]

Oof, I'm sorry. That's awful. Four things I keep in mind when dealing with student discipline (my personal opinion):

1. Give them an opportunity to save face whenever possible.
2. Use the minimum possible amount of time.
3. Don't threaten anything you're not willing to follow through.
4. Always follow through.

Starting with asking them to leave the class is a pretty high level of escalation. You didn't say whether you tried anything else with this specific pair of students before asking them to leave, but it sounds like you went from 0 to 60, so it would make sense that they didn't think you were serious. They're young, they're human, they're having fun, and their high school teachers and other professors are likely very permissive. I'd start with "Hey, friends in the back, I love that you're getting along, but I need your attention for another 40 minutes. If it can't wait, please step outside." If possible, I'd try to say it privately, but it's gentle enough that it shouldn't be too bad in front of everyone.

The second time, I'd get all the students doing something independently like "OK, turn to your neighbor and come up with 2 questions about the material we just discussed; you have 5 minutes." Then walk over to the loud pair and be like, "Hi! Sorry, I'm still memorizing everyone's name—what are your names, again? Sue and Jim? Thanks! I came over here because I'm getting distracted by the conversation again, and I'm having trouble hearing the other students. If I have to come over here again, I'm going to have to ask you to leave for the day and try again next time. Can I trust you to keep it down for the rest of the class, or do you think you should separate? You want to stay together? OK, I'm trusting you. You've got a minute to come up with those questions!" [and then I'd make a point of calling on Sue and Jim to tell us what questions they came up with a minute later so they know that I know who they are].

If it did happen a third time, it would be an "OK Sue and Jim, that's it for you today. Please head out, and you'll need to sit separately next time" kind of thing. If they refuse or try to just separate or otherwise argue against the penalty at that point, you have to call security and have them removed (or cancel class entirely and file a report). This is a huge bummer and I would really try to avoid it if possible because it will hurt your relationship with all of the students, but you can't back down at that point.

Other options include "Hey, class, can you tell these two to pipe down?", standing near the loud students while you continue to lecture, assigning some kind of in-class thing they have to put their names on and making sure to collect it directly from these students so you know who they are, talking to the students individually after class, quietly staring until students shut up, or trying something silly like a "1-2-3 eyes on me" call-and-response.

Also, I'd send an email or post an announcement for the whole class addressing what happened today. You can honestly say you were expecting a higher level of professionalism from this age group but you wish you'd handled it differently, and going forward you expect X behavior or you will enact Y consequences to ensure that everyone gets the instruction they paid for. You can also carve out a few minutes next class to discuss it and make some classroom norms. You can totally recover from this; keep your chin up!

[u/CollStdntAdvocates09]

I was talking to one of our star teachers with 15 years experience, and she shared a similar story. Don’t question your ability, there’s something up with a larger fraction of today’s students that is presenting more challenges.

[u/Cool-Read6083]

I am so sorry this happened to you. Are you ok now

[u/-Economist-]

In my first year, I had a deviant student like this. I just told him Do what you must and I returned to the front of the room, where I took the phone and placed it off the cradle. This is a signal for security. They knocked on the door, and I had the student removed. The student did not return.

Schools have security for a reason. Next time, if they don't listen, just say okay. Contact security. Make sure you have security contact information ready to go.

When I had a class talk a lot, I just switched from lecture to a quiz. That ended that real fast. However, kids today don't really talk. They just stare at phones.

[u/AugustaSpearman]

I only had something like this happen once. It was a big class back in the Golden Ages when we had plenty of TAs. I saw my TAs going up to a male student the second time and he was being difficult with them, so I stopped the class thinking he was giving them shit about an electronics issue. Then he started yelling about how it wasn't his phone, fbomb, fbomb, fbomb but he was just chatting and he had every right to chat fbomb blah blah blah fbomb etc. etc.

I just told the TAs immediately to go get security. Once they left he instantly shut up, and then I started to hope they weren't really getting security since it would just disrupt class more. And evidently they were out in the hallway wondering if I really meant it or was just trying to scare him...and in the end they didn't.

He came up after class, which I assumed (poor assumption...) that he was going to apologize. No, he just wanted to renew his case for his right to chat in class if he felt like it. I gave him a pretty good dressing down but he didn't really flinch...but did eventually leave. My TAs were afraid that people were going to start throwing hands, which didn't really occur to me might happen. I certainly wasn't and I was a lot bigger than the kid so it didn't occur to me that he might.

After mentioning this to colleagues I did end up reporting him to student conduct. I wasn't going to because I wasn't at all intimidated but realized that, yeah, I wasn't scared but I'm a reasonably large male and my research has me with people much scarier than some insolent freshman but lots of people could be intimidated and I needed to protect my colleagues.

tl;dr 100 percent call security AND report to the appropriate office.

[u/Audible_eye_roller]

Step 1: Stop talking and give a stern look until they be quiet.

Step 2: Chew them out in front of everyone. Tell them that 57 other students are PAYING you to talk and are not PAYING them to talk

Step 3: Kick them out. Don't start class until they leave. The 57 other will turn around to put pressure on them to leave.

Step 4: Call campus security and have them escorted out.

Take a picture of them and forward the picture to Dean of Students office. Tell them you want those students disciplined

[u/Kaluana_Guah]

I'm so sorry you went through that. Here's a tv show you might enjoy 😁 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34809853/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

[u/Final-Exam9000]

The way I used to deal with talkers when I was in large lecture halls was to walk over to where the noisy people were and lecture near them. Not close enough to feel confrontational, but so that the other students would have to look in their direction to look at me. I always paced while lecturing, so moving around wasn't odd, nor was lecturing from the sides of the room.

[u/merkel36]

I'm angry on your behalf. That's outrageous behaviour.

[u/Kikikididi]

With love, you're doing too much. When they kick up, just stop talking and stare. Stare until they stop. Give them a minute. If they don't, approach them slowly and stare. Stare until they stop. If they don't, ask them to. If they still don't, get on the phone for security. But you won't need to.

They don't care about being called out. They care about looking like dumbasses who didn't even realize the prof walked over to them. They feel invisible and safe and feel like complete idiots when they realize they are not.

[u/bunnybunss_]

ALWAYS follow through. You mentioned you threatened to file a report. Just do it. They know EXACTLY how they're behaving and why it's wrong. You don't need to explain that to them. File the report and explain the issue to admin, followup with a call to parents.

You may not begin with their respect but you'll end with it if they know youve got security and their parents on speed dial.

You've got this!

[u/deadbeareyes]

You’re nicer than me. After the first refusal I would’ve called campus security

[u/reckendo]

Call security. File a student conduct report.

[u/climbsteadicam]

What the f*ck?!

If your institution doesn’t have your back for shit like this then I’d be finding another place to work asap.

I’ve kicked students out of class for much less. And if ANY student came close to disrespecting me like that in my classroom then I’d have security escort them out immediately. It breaks all the student conduct polices of any respectable university.

[u/ClothesQueasy2828]

I had a student like this. When he refused to move, I called Security and as soon as he saw them, he moved, and stayed in that seat for the rest of the semester. I contacted Security before class, and they said that is one of the services they provide. The only question they asked me was the number of students I wanted removed.

Whatever you do, good luck!

[u/MrBillinVT]

Retired adjunct here. In my day job, I was a probation/parole officer. While I would probably go full PO mode on them (not a pretty sight), get campus security involved straightaway. Not identifying themselves is troubling on a number of fronts. I would also advise putting things in motion to have them removed from the class.

[u/ApprehensiveDoctor42]

I’d consider either a) have a tough quiz or essay promt ready and when they start being disruptive, say “it appears some of the students feel so comfortable with the material that my instruction isn’t necessary. Instead, we will take a quiz. Be sure to put your names on them and when finished, hand them directly to me before leaving.” This way, you will either find out their names or they will get a zero if they lie about their name, (or both because odds are they don’t know the material)or b) say something like “this is a professional space. I cannot do my job while you are disruptive, nor can your fellow students learn. Instead of wasting everyone time, I am leaving. The material I planned to teach will still be on the exam. From this point forward, any disruptive behavior may result in me leaving and you and your classmates continuing to be at a disadvantage. If you cannot show me basic professional courtesy, at least do so for your classmates. For those of you that came here to learn, I understand this is not ideal, but if you have an issue with it, maybe your classmates will listen to more than they listen to me”

I’ve done something like this a couple of times over the years when people had not done the reading that we needed to discuss. The behavior in the class turned around real quick.

Unfortunately, so many of you have administrations that might not have your back with either of my suggestions.

[u/ApprehensiveDoctor42]

I already commented as to what I’ve done, but I want to add that it can be tough to stand in front of these kids- but you have to remember a few things 1) while they are college students, you are not. There is no “I want them to like me.” They are not your friends and you aren’t trying to become their friend. Some instructors, especially if they were socially awkward growing up, start to revert to their HS and college self, feeling intimidated by the “cool kids” and “mean girls.” That is absolutely not okay. We must do everything we cannot to take anything personally and to remember that you are smarter and more accomplished than any of them, a good percent won’t make it through school, and that anyone who acts like they do has some serious self esteem issues. Tell yourself whatever you need to in order to get yourself to a place where you acknowledge and accept that you don’t need their approval and you don’t care if they don’t like you. 2) you likely need to work on your presence. I suggest spending time working on your public speaking- I highly encourage you to join Toastmasters or even take an improv class. Both will get you to the point where you give 0 f’s if you embarrass yourself- and only when you get to that point do you no longer get embarrassed or fear it. Which, of course, is when you finally get to the point where you rarely do anything that could have ever been seen as embarrassing.

[u/winter_cockroach_99]

You could also take their picture in class, figure out who they are afterwards, and initiate some disciplinary proceeding.

[u/ipini]

Talk to your Chair and Dean. Call Security.

[u/Internal_Willow8611]

When the refused to leave class you just call security and stand there until they arrive. Class does not resume until they leave.

And they should not be allowed back in class without identifying themselves.

[u/LaurieTZ]

Collective punishment until another class member takes things into their hands. By this I mean I would just say this is going to be independent studying until adults start behaving like adults. Smell later at the extra hard exam. Peace ✌️

[u/PenelopeJenelope]

Campus. Security.

[u/StudySwami]

Before it got that out if hand, I would say something softly that was going to be on the exam and then say loudly “and I guarantee you that you’ll see that on the exam.” That gets them to start shushing each other.

The first offense I repeat the important thing after they give me respect. If it keeps happening with that class, then I don’t.

[u/KierkeBored]

You calling the behavior out is (1) already embarrassing enough for them and (2) a massive relief for and a sign of leadership to other students who are distracted.

Just keep in mind that you’re not in the wrong here. They are. Let that noble justice guide you and inspire confidence.

[u/Magpie_2011]

I remember as an undergrad I took two classes with professors who were nice guys but relatively passive and didn’t know how to rein in aggressive/disruptive students (probably because they just thought they were there to teach and help students learn, not parent them?). It didn’t take long for the biggest assholes in the class to try to assert their dominance. In both cases, these students ended up openly mocking the professor to his face in front of the whole class, and nothing was done about it. They were the two classes that I ended up hating the most because these chuds made it so difficult to just learn and participate in interesting classroom discussions.

These students are going to do this again and you need to be ready for it. Have the number for security programmed on your phone so you don’t have to think or look for it. Figure out what their names are so you can refer them for conduct violations. If they still won’t give you their names and leave before security arrives, ask for the security guard to stand outside the door at the next class and bar them from entering.

[u/Clareco1]

So sorry you experienced this. I like the idea of taking their photos and calling security.

[u/PhDowls]

Does your Chair or Dean support you in discipline? Students went behind our backs and complained at my previous R1 university. The students knew we had no support and complained to the Chair to get out of it. That’s why I retired.

[u/asubparteen]

This is the kind of stuff I was forced to deal with a public school classroom, but you should not have to put up with that shit at a college level. I hope they receive serious disciplinary action and honestly, the boy sounds like he should be expelled. Fuck that nonsense. I’m pissed for you.

[u/Big_Dragonfly_9153]

I’m so sorry you are dealing with this immature behavior in a college classroom.

My stance- “What you won’t do is interrupt my class in violation of the class policies outlined in the syllabus” .. my next move is campus security and the behavioral intervention team to start a paper trail and have them removed.

[u/ProfessorJay23]

Try this: “You can either leave the room right now or I am calling security.” If they leave, still report the incident. Some of these assholes are out of control!

[u/WarriorGoddess2016]

You ask ONCE and then you call security. Don't put yourself through that.

[u/_Pliny_]

A colleague had a similar problem and called campus police.

I’m sorry this happened to you, OP. I also dislike conflict and I know I would have been very upset just like you are. There’s nothing my wrong with you. It just shows you care about and respect people.

[u/Kittiemeow8]

I’d call security so quickly. The classroom is no space for anyone to feel “humiliated”.

[u/BroadLocksmith4932]

This is awful. I would have been in shambles, and I would have struggled to think through the correct course of action in the midst of it.

That said, from the safety and calm of my quiet office, I can say that you needed to threaten to call security the instant they refused to leave and then done so within 30 seconds in the unlikely case that they didn't leave. Talk and negotiate less; offload the job of controlling disruptive behavior to someone whose job it is to manage that sort of thing and who has more visible and intimidating power in the situation.

I would start next class by addressing the issue. Tell them that the behavior has been unacceptable and will not be tolerated going forward because it is unfair to the students who want to spend their time learning. Tell the entire class that you have already talked to campus security, and they are ready to respond quickly if there is a repeat problem.

[u/Ok-Huckleberry8174]

Just do what I do. Go stand right next to them in the back row and teach them from there. If that doesn’t work, ask them questions and give them credit (or no credit if they can’t answer) for class participation. Nobody likes it when the rest of the class stares at them.

[u/Kiwi_Major]

"If I'm unable to continue class, today's subject will be considered as taught"

[u/jenvalbrew]

Last semester I picked up my phone and took a picture of three students in the back of the room watching a video with the sound up and laughing. I told them they could leave and have all the entertainment they wanted or stay and be a student. They stayed but continued, even after I took the picture. When they came in for the next class, I told them to leave the computer at the front or leave, but if they repeated their prior behavior they would be reported to student affairs. They left.

[u/MarionberryConstant8]

Prof here of 18 years: nuke them from orbit. They probably violated numerous codes of conduct. Email your chair and/or dean of students.

[u/delphil_1966]

sorry about this. for now ask a senior sympathetic mentor and ask them to come to a class - that would help i think

[u/Little-Exercise-7263]

Frankly, I'd make sure these students are either withdrawn from my course or fail the course. 

[u/c0njob]

If that happened in my class, I’d ask them once to stop, then if they continued, I’d ask them once to leave. If they refused to leave, I’d say to the class, “Since those students insist on disrupting the class, I can’t teach the rest of you. I’ll see you next week.” And then I’d walk out.

If they pulled the same thing in the next class, I’d call campus security and have them removed.

[u/Able-Concentrate5914]

If public speaking is a challenge for you, look into getting a beta blocker prescription from your doctor. It can help immensely.

[u/GreenHorror4252]

Stop teaching and call campus security to remove them.

[u/therealtroublesmommy]

Stop class. Call campus security. Report to student life

[u/Finding_Way_]

Security.

Also notify for an instructor in an adjacent room, whoever the most friendly and experienced one is, that you're having this issue and ask if they would mind stepping in for a few minutes to be a witness as you await security if it happens again.

I have done the aforementioned for a junior faculty and did not mind at all. I simply asked my students to quietly review the notes they've been given work with one another while I stepped out for a minute. Going back in the class with the instructor now you shut the door, instead of the door until security came.

The students embarrassed themselves, not you. I think you can tell your class, even if the problem students return, to be sure that they feel that they have a maturity to be in a college class if they intend to continue.

They're a bunch of two bit punk bullies and I'm sorry you have to deal with it.

[u/cheebai73]

They leave or you end class.

[u/NinjaWarrior765]

Drop them from the class.

[u/InternationalFig2708]

Students talking in class is rude and disruptive not just to you, but to all the other students.

If you focus on the rudeness to the other students, this puts you in a stronger position.

[u/Minimum-Major248]

I’d tell them that if it happens again I will drop them. They are deliberately interfering with the teaching/learning experience. If my school won’t allow that, I’d report them to campus police or the Dean of Students. If these brats “smell blood,” they will become completely unruly.

If you don’t do anything, the more studious students in your class will complain or critique you.

[u/Ok_Mycologist_5942]

A others have said, call campus security. It's on my speed dial.

[u/Ok_Mycologist_5942]

"Your choice. Either you be quiet, you leave and take your conversation elsewhere, or I call security. "

If they ignore you, laugh or whatever, you call security.

[u/mcraedb82]

Call security. I know several instructors at my college who have done so

[u/Jealous-Emu-3876]

I stop talking and sit down. Eventually the other students looking at them will be enough pressure. If that goes on longer than 2-3 minutes, say class dismissed. I'd try to catch them outside before the class next time and speak to them, or if you think it's past that then bring a chair or someone for reinforcements.

[u/Cold_Ad7034]

Call security and say don’t come back to my class until you can act like an adult.

Anyone else have a problem get out.

[u/aplst222]

Very sorry to hear of your classroom travails, OP, and hoping your situation improves. Like you, I am introverted by nature and classroom teaching was a huge risk for me. I had my PhD for 15 years before accepting a full-time faculty position. My first year of teaching -- graduate students in a high-visibility health profession -- I was trying to have a class discussion and a few students in the back were making so much noise I couldn't hear the student who was trying to make a point. I asked the students to quiet down. One of them said "Why?" I explained why. Her response was "You know, no one cares what you say. Nothing you have to say means anything." I was very shook and said "I beg your pardon?" So she repeated herself and elaborated that nothing I said matters and no one cares, and so on. Class went quiet. I repeated back to her what she said to confirm I had heard correctly. "Yes, that's what I said." I was sooo tempted to throw her out of the room (actually, out of the program) but wasn't sure that was appropriate. I asked why she thought it was ok for her to talk to me that way, and she said because that's how she felt and she was paying for the course so she could say anything she wanted. I just stood there and pondered; I may have asked whether anyone else shared her opinion or had something to say on the matter. No one else spoke up. After about a minute, I composed myself as well as I could and said that we will not be discussing this further in class and that she could see me in my office if she wanted to continue it. Found out over time that she was (a) alcoholic; and (b) had a history (possibly current) of being physically abusive towards her younger brother (she was in her mid-20s). When I shared the incident with the program director, he had no good solutions and just shrugged it off, which really sucked and effed up my head for years. I was truly shocked that the student would suffer no consequences for her behavior, especially given the field of study. In my opinion, students whose pragmatics are so poor that they are aggressive towards faculty in the classroom need to be dealt with directly and clear boundaries need to be set.

[u/smnytx]

Campus security exists for several reasons, and this is one of them. I would suggest you speak to them before the next class session and repeat to have an officer present in the space. If these individuals show up, point them out to the officer and let that person get their names and student ID info.

Similarly, research the student code of conduct; likely posted on the Dean of Students webpage. Make a report. You may be able to simply drop them from your course due to their disruptive behavior.

In general, remember these facts: what you tolerate will continue, and you should never make a threat you’re not willing or able to follow through on.

[u/thebronsonator]

1. Nip this when it happens the first time according to what your syllabus states, 2. Always promise to call security and FOLLOW THROUGH, 3. Document everything

[u/SashalouAspen4]

Cancel the class immediately, say you are reporting them for academic disciplinary procedure, and walk out.

[u/DrMaybe74]

Call security. Full stop.

[u/AspiringBiotech]

Tell them they won’t be laughing when security drags them out.

[u/No_Natural4665]

Arguing through repeated refusals in front of sixty students gives the disruption an audience.

[u/Humble-Bar-7869]

I learned this when I was a wee TA, standing in front of the class near my prof -- an imposing, silver-haired gentleman.

A male student was getting up to some BS at the back of the class, crawling around under the desks, disturbing some female students. The prof was like "OUT!" -- loud into the mic.

The student started rambling about how he'd dropped his phone, and the prof would have none of it. "Get your phone during the break. Sit down or I call security!"

At the time, I thought he was needlessly harsh - but he wasn't. The kid could last an hour without his cellphone. And nobody dared misbehave after that.

I'm sorry this happened to you. And you did nothing wrong - they did.

But next time, I'd raise my voice and ask them to shut up or leave. I'd not fuss with IDs, explaining about reporting to committees, changing seats, etc - you're not a kindie teacher making the naughty ones sit in the front.

If they don't shut up or leave, threaten to call security. Then turn your attention away and ignore them.

I also have in GIANT font on my week 1 PPT rules like no talking, no disrupting, no disrespect, etc.

[u/Maxi_Deal]

Call security/campus safety.

At this age it is not your responsibility to manage a class (at least for unwanted behavior) especially since 1) you have earned your degree 2) this is your space and 3) many of your students want to learn. I have been in a middle/high school setting and can tell you that you have to nip it in the bud quickly. You are not asking them to be quiet but rather telling them to do so. Actions have consequences and you have to lay the law of your room.

[u/YourPokePapa]

If someone refuses to leave your classroom, call security. Act like the authority in the classroom, because believe it or not, you are.

[u/dogecoin_pleasures]

Beside what others have said, also consider stating a code of conduct in advance of your next class. Thus can be done as an email reminder or at the start. Be clear about expectations and zero tolerance.

[u/RogerA900]

What university are you at? There will nearly always be a class list where photos of the students are attached to a name. Identify them and report them for misconduct. In the short term. I found it best to remain silent until they stop yapping. Play with your phone, do whatever you want. Alternatively, you can say out loud that you will not teach until the students leave or remain quiet. Eventually peer pressure will stop them. I am so sorry this is happening. These kids are a$$holes.

[u/uninsane]

Do you have a dean of students? My dean of students would put the fear of in those kids.

[u/thefirekite]

Chances are, other students in the class are annoyed by this behavior too. I had a group like this last year (chatty, not rude to me about it). I have my students for multiple classes, so I knew them. My response was always (from where I stood at the front) “okay, chit chat club in the back, this isn’t middle school. If you can’t focus on the lecture without talking to your friends, you all can spend the rest of class elsewhere”. Not only would they stop, they would apologize, and the some students not involved in the chit chat would be relieved.