Many people may assume that remote teaching is a very easy job, working in the comfort of your home or even from a quiet café or co-working space – without a supervisor or manager constantly watching you like a hawk. And yes, for the most part, it is very convenient. No commute means you can save time and money. A flexible schedule helps you maintain a healthy work–life balance. You can take care of personal tasks during your free time or enjoy hobbies and spend time with family. But with these comforts come certain challenges that every tutor must face. One of these is something that even classroom teachers encounter from time to time: dealing with difficult students. 

What are some examples of difficult students and how do we deal with them?

1. The socially anxious and withdrawn student
Some students feel uncomfortable speaking with a stranger, especially when the teacher comes from a completely different background or culture. No matter how much effort the teacher makes, these students may remain quiet and sometimes appear lethargic or disengaged in class. It can be emotionally draining for a teacher when her energy is not returned and her smiles go unnoticed.

What do we do with this type of student? We stretch our patience. We maintain a positive atmosphere and help the student feel accepted in class. We keep our tone warm and slightly more energetic to create an encouraging environment. Over time, the student may begin to feel more at ease and gradually start participating.

2. The unwilling, parent-pressured student
While some students appear genuinely interested in online classes, others may simply be forced to study this way. They cannot refuse their parents, who are paying for the lessons, and are left with no choice even if they feel uninterested. As a result, they often behave accordingly, showing little eagerness to participate, displaying discomfort, and at times even acting rudely.

Just like the socially anxious student, a student who studies out of obligation requires a great deal of patience. Keep the atmosphere light and welcoming. Ask about their interests and try to discover topics they enjoy discussing. You can occasionally shift away from the regular lesson to make room for genuine conversation. By gently sparking their interests, you may encourage them to open up, engage more comfortably, and gradually participate more actively in class.

3. The flighty, highly-distracted student
This issue is often true among younger learners. Teachers may notice students frequently shifting topics, asking unusual questions out of the blue, or doodling and drawing while the teacher is busy; as if attempting to redirect the lesson to themselves

Since this behavior can be a normal part of development, it’s reasonable to expect that the student will eventually mature. However, this also means the teacher, once again, must remain patient and not give up. Progress may take time, and there is no specific timeline for when the student’s behavior will change. It is essential to maintain a consistent and positive approach.

4. The resistant, “my mom pays you” student
This might be a bit controversial, but such students do exist, albeit rarely. Some act arrogantly, as if the teacher is beneath them, knowing their parents are paying for the classes. They can be rude or disrespectful, and while some verbalize this attitude, others show it through their actions, making it feel as though they own the class.

The teacher should be firm and display evident confidence when dealing with this type of student. Without appearing arrogant or controlling, she should maintain control of the class and demonstrate her expertise, making the student realize that the teacher is part of his learning journey. Moreover, the teacher must set clear boundaries, sending the message, “I am your teacher, you are my student,” in a respectful and friendly way. Help the student recognize their strengths and redirect their energy toward tasks that give them a sense of responsibility. Using positive reinforcement can be very effective in encouraging cooperation. Most importantly, focus on building rapport—connect with the student and show genuine interest in them to help reduce resistance.

Patience and adaptability are essential when handling different types of students. Even the most difficult learners can grow with a teacher’s empathy and guidance. Challenges should be considered learning opportunities for both the teacher and the student. Teachers may not change every student, but we can change how we show up for them — and that alone can make all the difference.