Engaging Resistant Learners

Engaging resistant learners in the classroom is something that every teacher needs to take in account. I want to highlight a key few aspects that I found important. To start off I would like to talk about having a positive classroom environment, giving out verbal praise is something that every student loves. They love to be told what they are doing right, whether that is something in or outside of the classroom. Students also love to get notes, having a notebook where you can write feedback for them is something that every student can cherish, written feedback is also very meaningful, students can go back and look on what they did right and feel a sense of encouragement at any time. Sending a note home to a parent or guardian is also very powerful, not only do students love getting praise from their teacher, but they love getting it at home. Some students hardly get any of it at home and something a simple as that can make a students day. Students also love classroom incentives or celebrations, having a reward system for students gives them a challenge and a reward at the end of the day for working hard and doing the right thing. One thing you have to steer clear of is making it a personal or single student thing. Make it about the class itself so not one student feels left out and they all get to participate in the classroom celebration. Another way is to display work in the classroom, show students that what they did needs to be noticed and praised, students love to show off their work especially during parent teacher conferences when they can show their parents what they have been working so hard on. One of my favorites is holding an award ceremony, I can still remember to this day what award I got in the second grade, it has a big impact on the kids and it gives them a sense of accomplishment as well. Every student throughout the year does something really well worth noting. Be an ally with your students as well as the parents, make sure you are positive, visible, and approachable. You want to be active with your students and make sure there is always a way for you to contact or be contacted by the parents. The last thing that I want to talk about is using time wisely and making sure that you spend all of your little time on task. Have your room arranged to where you can move easily around and everything is easily accessible for the students. Make sure you stay firm with your expectations and procedures so the students know how to act and what to expect year around. Transition well from subject to subject and take in account where students come from whether it is recess, physical education, or lunch. Last but not least, prepare for class and what to expect from your students being prepared helps maintain the flow of instruction and keeps students on task.