Question Details
I don’t understand why I can’t get through to this student who seems to be actively defying me.
Answers
It is always worth checking to see if the school has any additional background information on the students’ needs or learning styles. A child who may present as defiant may be diagnosed or undiagnosed as neurodivergant or have other specific needs. If this information is available, speak to a teacher responsible for Special Needs for specific advice regarding your approach to defiance.
The first rule of being a great teacher is ‘relationships. relationships, relationships’. There will always be one! But usually, it means you have to work that little but harder tob build a connection and positive relationship with that student. In my experience, the hardest nuts to crack tend to be the more rewarding. Don’t give up on building a relationship with that student. Try some one to one time, try to understand their motivation and be open with them – ask them if there is something you are doing that is making them feel upset/angry?
Try some positive reinforcement. I have found reward charts particuarly effective for students who don’t seem to want to follow ‘the group plan’. For example, I have the names of each student printed and laminated. All students start in a neutral position of your choice and can move up when you ‘spot’ positive behaviour. Make sure you ‘spot’ lots of positive behaviour and try to make it early in the day to maintain motivation and engagement. Students can move ‘down’ too for not following the class expectation, however, you want to make this as rare an occurence as possible. You can also try digital tools for the same effective. ‘Class Dojo’ is a great example and the students love to choose their own characters. I would normally save this for when they achieve a certain number of points for extra incentive!
Is this behaviour out of character for the student? If so, it is worth speaking to parents to see if there are changes going on at home or any events that might have caused the child to be acting out.
