Five of the most frequently recommended strategies for dealing with difficult students can actually cause an increase or a worsening of misbehavior. Which begs the question: If they cause behavior to get worse, then why are they recommended? Well, for a few reasons. They’re … Read more
Telling students exactly what you want is good teaching. It seems obvious, but if you’re unable to communicate what you want from your students, then they’re never going to give it to you. Too often when giving directions teachers begin talking before they’re ready. … Read more
Most students are praised too much. They’re praised too often, too public, and too over-the-top. They’re praised for things any reasonable person would conclude are simply not worthy of it. And as the bar of excellence drops lower and lower, it squeezes the work … Read more
We know about the public cases, those gossiped about so offhandedly—the homeless student, the one whose mother is in jail, the two with drug dealing fathers no longer around. But what of the others? What of the secrets hidden and locked away, keys all … Read more
It starts with a perceived injustice then builds quickly from there. Vibrating deep within the body, anger rises to the surface, turning down mouth corners, narrowing eyes, and flushing the skin. Pouting and stewing over the “unfairness,” the student loses the inner battle for … Read more
Do your students begin moving before you finish giving directions? Do they turn in their seats, reach for materials, or begin standing and conversing with classmates before you even finish talking? Do you find yourself gradually raising your voice, trying to get in that … Read more
Are your students slow to follow directions? Do they ever seem reluctant, lost, or unsure of what you want them to do? Does it ever feel like no matter how often you repeat yourself or how loud you speak you still can’t get through … Read more
It’s a question I get a lot. What do you do when most of your class is misbehaving? Say you notice twelve, fifteen, or more students talking and goofing around during a lesson or in the middle of a transition. How should you handle … Read more