August 2025
During PD, Dr. Steve Bryant-Collier gave a presentation on Student Behavior, and during that presentation, he asked instructors to share a few struggles. Only four were shared before moving on, but below are some strategies on how to handle those challenges. Thanks to A.I.
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When a student shows a lack of engagement in the classroom, it can stem from a variety of causes—ranging from personal challenges to mismatched learning styles. Here are effective teaching strategies to address and improve student engagement:
Check in regularly: A quick one-on-one conversation can reveal underlying issues.
Show genuine interest: Learn about their interests, strengths, and goals.
Create a safe space: Foster an environment where students feel valued and heard.
Use varied teaching methods: Combine lectures, hands-on activities, visuals, and technology.
Offer choices: Let students choose topics, formats, or partners for assignments.
Adapt to learning styles: Use assessments to identify and cater to visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners.
Connect content to real life: Use examples from current events, pop culture, or local community issues.
Project-based learning: Encourage students to solve real-world problems.
Career connections: Show how skills apply to future jobs or interests.
Think-pair-share: Promotes discussion and peer learning.
Gamification: Use games or challenges to make learning fun.
Interactive tech tools: Platforms like Kahoot, Nearpod, or Padlet can boost participation.
Co-create classroom norms: Involve students in setting behavior and participation standards.
Use rubrics and checklists: Help students understand what success looks like.
Celebrate progress: Recognize effort and improvement, not just achievement.
Use formative assessments, such as quick quizzes, exit tickets, or journals, to gauge understanding.
Solicit feedback: Ask students what’s working and what’s not.
Adjust accordingly: Be flexible and responsive to student needs.
Counselors or social workers: They may have insights into personal or emotional challenges.
Special education staff: If applicable, ensure accommodations are being met.
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When a student displays a lack of respect in the classroom, it’s important for teachers to respond with strategies that maintain authority while fostering a positive learning environment. Here are constructive and effective approaches:
Avoid escalation: Responding with anger or sarcasm can worsen the situation.
Model respectful behavior: Demonstrate the tone and attitude you expect from students.
Establish norms early: Define what respectful behavior looks like and why it matters.
Be consistent: Enforce rules fairly and predictably for all students.
Avoid public confrontations: Speak with the student privately to preserve dignity.
Ask questions: “Is something bothering you today?” can open up dialogue.
Listen actively: Sometimes disrespect is a symptom of deeper issues.
Encourage reflection: Ask the student to consider how their behavior affects others.
Facilitate apologies: Help students make amends when appropriate.
Use restorative circles: Promote community and accountability.
Collaborate with counselors: They may uncover emotional or behavioral triggers.
Engage families: Share concerns and work together on solutions.
Use behavior intervention plans: For recurring issues, a structured plan may help.
Catch them doing good: Acknowledge respectful actions when they occur.
Use incentives: Praise, privileges, or recognition can reinforce desired behavior.
Build rapport: A strong teacher-student relationship can reduce defiance.
Review classroom dynamics: Are there patterns or triggers for disrespect?
Seek peer support: Other educators may offer insights or strategies.
Professional development: Training in classroom management or trauma-informed practices can be valuable.
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Dealing with a “know-it-all” student can be challenging, especially when their behavior disrupts the learning environment or alienates peers. However, with thoughtful strategies, teachers can channel that confidence into positive contributions. Here are some effective approaches:
Validate their knowledge: Recognize when they contribute useful insights.
Use their expertise constructively: Invite them to help peers or lead small group discussions.
Establish norms for discussion: Emphasize listening, turn-taking, and mutual respect.
Use signals or cues: Develop non-verbal cues to manage interruptions or over-talking.
Ask open-ended questions: Challenge them to think deeper or consider alternative perspectives.
Introduce complexity: Use tasks that require collaboration, ambiguity, or multiple viewpoints.
Model curiosity: Show that learning is a lifelong process, even for experts.
Group work with roles: Assign roles like “listener,” “summarizer,” or “questioner” to balance participation.
Peer feedback: Encourage students to give and receive constructive feedback.
Discuss behavior privately: Frame it as an opportunity to grow socially and academically.
Set personal goals: Help the student work on skills like patience, empathy, or teamwork.
Use structured formats: Socratic seminars, fishbowl discussions, or timed turns can ensure balanced input.
Cold calling or random selection: Give all students a chance to speak without relying on volunteers.
Journal prompts or exit tickets: Encourage self-reflection on how they contribute to the class.
Growth mindset language: Reinforce that intelligence is not just about knowing facts, but about learning and adapting.
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When students become too comfortable in the classroom, it can sometimes lead to boundary-pushing behaviors, reduced focus, or challenges to authority. This shift often reflects a positive rapport—but it needs to be balanced with structure. Here are strategies to maintain respect and engagement while preserving a supportive environment:
Reset norms: Periodically review classroom rules and expectations, especially after breaks or transitions.
Use visual reminders: Post norms visibly and refer to them during lessons.
Co-create agreements: Involve students in updating classroom expectations to increase buy-in.
Structure transitions: Use timers, signals, or routines to guide movement between activities.
Predictable schedules: Help students know what to expect, reducing opportunities for off-task behavior.
Start strong: Begin each class with a focused warm-up or bell ringer to set the tone.
Be friendly, not familiar: Maintain professional boundaries while being approachable.
Use assertive language: “I need you to…” or “Let’s refocus…” communicates leadership without confrontation.
Avoid sarcasm or joking at students’ expense: It can blur boundaries and reduce respect.
Use participation trackers: Monitor engagement and follow up with students who are off-task.
Assign leadership roles: Channel energy into constructive responsibilities (e.g., group leader, tech helper).
Reflective practices: Use journals or exit tickets to encourage self-awareness about behavior and learning.
Keep lessons dynamic: Use movement, collaboration, and challenges to maintain interest.
Incorporate student voice: Let students help shape projects or discussion topics.
Use formative checks: Frequent, low-stakes assessments keep students focused and accountable.
Use proximity and cues: Stand near off-task students or use non-verbal signals.
Private conversations: Discuss behavior respectfully and set clear consequences.
Follow through: Consistency builds trust and reinforces boundaries.
Ask for feedback: Students may offer insights into what’s working or not.
Collaborate with colleagues: Share strategies and observe other classrooms for ideas.
Professional development: Explore training in classroom management or trauma-informed practices.