Morgan+Burns

Morgan Burns

I have had a lot of experience with this in my placement. There are a few students that have a hard time staying focused and motivated. My way of dealing this might be a little different in a high school setting than a middle school setting. At a high school level I would expect my students to be mature enough to sit down and have a grown up conversation with me. I would want to discuss their goals and aspirations. Is college a plan in their future? Do they want a high school diploma? I would lay out all the options and let them know that to obtain these goals they need to make an effort. If a student is unmotivated by their goals and believe there are no options for them for their future, I would then bring in a counselor. I would have a meeting with me, the counselor, and the student. There has to be some way to encourage and motivate my student. We could set out a semester long plan for what is needed and required to pass. If there is parental participation, that will be welcomed. However, the students who seem unmotivated sometimes do not have an authoritative parent. If the student needs some sort weekly reward and reinforcement for motivation that can be arranged as well. I believe that this sort of extensive effort will prove to my student that I care and I want them to pass my class and succeed.
 * A student refuses to work. **

[I think it's worth asking the student why they will not complete the work and make accommodations if possible. I don't believe that people can be forced to learn; therefore, we must understand our students and leverage their interests and motivations. -RR]

This has also been a scenario that has been present in my placement. It is a little less noticeable however because our students are in uniform. It is hard not to have a soft spot in your heart for the students that struggle with life at home. There is nothing they can do to control their situation. Unfortunately they are dependents. If I was directly in the conversation and it was obvious that I heard them I might casually step in and make a comment. I might say “well I think is a little superstitious and he scored really well on his quiz in this shirt yesterday.” Or “there is nothing wrong with having a favorite/lucky shirt.” If I overheard the conversation but was not a part of it I might pull the student aside that was partaking in the bullying and talk with him privately about how his comment was inappropriate. I would also pull aside the student that was being bullied and find out why he had on the same clothes and offer and help I could or the school could. If it seems like the parents are neglecting the child that would be time for the counselor to step in.
 * A student is teased because he’s worn the same thing two days in a row. **

[I think you can diffuse the teasing about having a conversation about cultural practices of wearing and washing clothing. You can do this by making the familiar strange and asking students why we do what we do. Maybe introduce the idea that some jeans are sold as raw denim and come with recommendations for wearing for long periods of time without washing. Also, you can talk about how hard washing is on clothing and how clothing wears out quicker when washed constantly. -RR]