Using the Responses

The time that I can think that I used one of the four responses and it worked was with a student in my math class. She had a strong aversion to math and was convinced she couldn't do it. I worked with her every day complimenting and reassuring her of how capable she was. I gave her positive reinforcement for each little step that she accomplished in math class and tutorial. I knew she could do it and I wouldn't give up on her.
The more I worked her the more I saw her attitude melting away. She saw that someone did believe in her.

She didn't even know her basic facts. When she got 10 right on the facts test I told her how great she did. Within two weeks she passed her addition facts and we were off to the races. Her confidence grew and she told others that if she could do it anyone could. Every day she worked on her facts and passed them all. In class she was now participating and asking questions and was serious and on topic. She went from an F student to a C- in the quarter. She passed the third and fourth quarters too.

At the end of the year she didn't want to move on to the next grade. I took her to her new house teachers and introduced them to her. I told them how great she was and how hard she would work. She ran up to me on the last day and wrapped her arms around me in front of all of her peers and thanked me for believing in her and that she would miss me over the summer. The positive response worked with her and I felt good about how I did.


On the flip side I had a rough group. It was the last class of the day and loaded with some challenging students. I had one student who was wild. You would be collecting homework and he would just go nuts. Throwing desks, chairs , swearing etc. I tried the no response, but in some situations that wasn't possible. I tried to give him no response, but he'd get right up in your face and yell and swear at me. Some days it worked and others it didn't.

I didn't do the best at no response because he had reached my point of no return sometimes. I tried redirection, positive response and even negative response. The students said its not your fault he is just a case.
I know he had a lot of emotional issues but I wish  I could of reached him. I thought I had him hooked when he represented the class in the school geography bee. I worked with him and tried to help him.

 I think if I had the opportunity to have another "challenging student" I would try the no response again, but try and build up trust earlier and find out what motivated him/her. I'd also ask him/her what helps them be successful. I need to be a better listener/observer.
Ramona Gasser