Here at SCM, we’ve talked a lot about the Law of Reciprocity and its remarkable power to influence student behavior. But we haven’t talked about what it looks like in practice. How exactly do you do it? What do you say? How do you … Read more
To be an effective teacher, you must be able to build positive relationships with your students—because it causes them to want to listen to you, behave for you, and please you. It gives you the leverage you need to influence their behavior and work … Read more
A positive, trusting relationship with students is a core principle of SCM. After all, it’s the most important factor in creating a classroom they want to be part of. Which, in turn, inspires intrinsic motivation, models patience and kindness, and makes your consequences matter … Read more
Recently, I had an unnerving conversation with a student after class. Here’s how it went: Student: “Mr. Linsin, did I earn full credit today?” Me: “Yep, 100%.” Student: “Are you lying?” Me: “Of course not. I would never lie to you.” Student: “Whew, okay.” … Read more
Likability is a key principle of SCM—because it makes building rapport effortless. It causes students to want to listen to you, please you, and behave for you. It helps make your consequences matter. Being disliked, on the other hand, makes classroom management far more … Read more
Likability is a common trait among the happiest, most effective teachers. The reason is simple: When your students like you, everything is easier—especially classroom management. We’ve covered why this is so, as well as how to become more likable, in previous articles. Today, however, … Read more
Here at SCM, we talk a lot about the importance of building rapport. And how it’s best to focus on your entire class rather than individual students. Because, trying to build rapport one student at a time is . . . time consuming. awkward … Read more
There are teachers who seem blessed with natural charisma. The lucky ones. They with the easy charm. The effortlessness vibe. The secret something that causes students to want to please them and behave for them. Must be nice, huh? But the truth is, they’re … Read more