In the comment section below, please answer and reflect on the following, which is also found in your book:
1) Make a list of choices you feel comfortable giving.
2) Pick one or two of your favorites.
3) Write these favorites on a slip of paper and tape it to your desk (optional).
4) See how the students react when they see these choices.
5) Enjoy having fewer power struggles and more fun!
I choice I have used in the past is: "You can either do ______ (whatever they're not doing) or go to Mr. Verboomen" when dealing with a discipline issue. Some students have taken the "Verboomen" choice when I expected them to do what I was asking them to do. I don't find myself using this as a choice any more because I set my expectations earlier on and then just send them out of my classroom if they are being disruptive to the learning without giving them the choice.
ReplyDeleteIn certain situations, I feel comfortable giving my students some extent of choice about the specifics of what work they do, when they do certain types of activities, and how we share information during class. For example, I will offer them the choice of "odd" or "even" problems to complete; or ask if they'd rather do "workbook/word-problem" or "textbook-based/numbers math" activities first. Finally, I might also offer options for how we discuss or review information: "Do we want to go over this as a whole group together, or in individual conferences?"; "Do you want me to explain all the problems/answers, or would you rather take turns helping each other out?". The key is to make it clear that both choices are equal in terms of workload and rigor, so that students choose based on their learning preferences rather than "what's easier." We usually accomplish just as much when students choose the order and format of learning/teaching activities than when I direct everything. Giving choices helps foster a sense of ownership among the students for their own and peers' learning- and thereby increases engagement in activities.
ReplyDeleteAnother, more general area I feel comfortable giving students choice is in the details of how and when they comply with school rules and classroom expectations. One of the most useful (and frequently used) offerings is: "Would you rather put that phone/ipod/backpack/coat/food-soda away now or give it to me for safekeeping until the end of the block day?"; with appropriate stowage options (pocket/back of classroom/teacher's office/locker) reiterated. Most students will choose to keep control over their belongs and properly stow them as soon as asked. Introducing the question/choice with "would you rather" (versus simply "would you") basically forces the student to choose one alternative- either of which the end result is compliance and removal of the distraction (whereas asking "would you" leaves it as a "yes" or "no" question- where a "no" answer could lead to continued noncompliance and a power struggle.
ReplyDeleteI have been using the the would you rather _________ or would you rather _________. I use this most of the time to get the kids settle in and ready for class if they do not stop talking. It has been successful, and I will plan to continue with it. I have also been using it with my 4 y/o who likes to sometimes not do what she is supposed to do!!
ReplyDeleteI have used the you can either______________ or you can come in later ( afterschool or lunch ) if you feel like it will be easier for you to work then. This reinforces the fact that the TASK is not optional...only postponed. The lunch or after school choice makes the kid sacrifice HIS or HER own time, rather than taking MY classtime as is the purpose. I also like the you can either put away the ___________ or I can hang onto it for you route. Makes students take action one way or the other.
ReplyDeleteThere are many alternatives to pep band. Students may be excused from a particular game, but are never exempt from the points needed. When they ask I simply restate for them they "can get the points from the game or in one of these other ways." From there they can decide how to schedule and budget their time.
ReplyDeleteOne choice I like to give students is which activity or assignment they want to do first. I always put the day's activities on the board and feel out where we will start. Often it does not matter which order we go in and the students get to have some input on how the block will go. Of course there are times when I play my trump card if something needs to be done at a certain time.
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