I have not done the best job of keeping up with this blog throughout the past semester. I have let many personal issues and work that I felt took precedence over this blog come first. I know that no amount of excuses could make up for the fact that I have not fulfilled my obligation to this course in which I am enrolled. My classmates’ dependency on me to fulfill my obligation makes the situation worse and for that I apologize. I have honestly had a lot of personal issues surface this semester. I certainly regret that I did not communicate my frustrations and concerns this semester. I let things get to me, and, in turn, my work suffered. I have been overwhelmed with the shear responsibility of family and educational obligations. I have certainly learned that I need to get better at prioritizing and taking seriously more things that matter.
The purpose of this post is to describe what I would do if I had students in my class who were not completing assignments. This situation is actually a recurring on in my placement with one of my students. She lost her mother at the end of last summer, and her motivation to complete assignments is lacking. One of the things I have attempted to do is to create a good rapport with her by taking the time to learn more of her interests tailor to them. For example, I know that she enjoys math and she enjoys participating during class discussion. I make it a point to give her a chance to share her math knowledge by calling on her when I know she may have the answer to a problem. The relationship is key when it comes to understanding student motivation, or lack thereof.
With the case of reluctant students who defy any teacher attempts to complete assignments the first resource I would seek would be that of other teachers who have had the student before, if possible. Collaboration can be crucial when deciding strategies and the next steps for dealing with student behaviors. Seeking the help of other teachers and learning their strategies could really help build of repertoire of effective strategies for reaching a plethora of students.
Setting clear expectations is a key component in ensuring that students complete assignments. In my case with the blog, I cannot say that the expectations weren’t clear, my motivation just wasn’t there. With students that are neglecting to complete assignments I can see how the implementation of student-set goals could be useful. This would give students an opportunity to take accountability for their own learning. Creating a behavior plan that sets up some type of reward system could also be effective. With intrinsic motivation being the total goal, implementing strategies such as those used with Positive Behavior Supports could make the difference in helping to motivate students. Also, the acknowledgement of student achievement could also help them take the time to hone in on their own abilities.
Creating well-planned and engaging lessons will hopefully help give students the motivation to complete assignments, but, if reluctance still lingers, having a heart-to heart, allowing students to pursue interests in school work, eliciting the collaboration of faculty/staff/administration and parents, and setting clear and consistent expectations will hopefully give students the push they need to attempt to complete assignments. Explaining to students the importance of their learning and practicing the material will also help them to make real-life connections with the curriculum and the assignments that accompany it. Students should understand that punishment (that fits the crime) will be implemented appropriately if necessary. Setting clear boundaries and expectations is one way to ensure that students are reaching their full potential and completing assigned tasks.
