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Step 1
Allow older children to participate in self-monitoring. At set intervals, the teacher can cue the student with a tone or signal. The student then notes whether he was following the teacher's instructions.
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Step 2
Choose positive feedback techniques over punishment or ridicule. Catch students in the act of doing something good and respond with immediate praise.
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Step 3
Raise the student's self-esteem by soliciting her opinion about her good behavior. When she stays on task, ask her how she feels about doing a good job.
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Step 4
Motivate students with rewards individualized to their preferences. Some students like collecting stickers, some respond to the promise of extra recess time and you can motivate others with praise.
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Step 5
Use strategic seating to keep attention deficient students on task. Seat the students close to the front of the class to minimize distractions. Surround the student with high achievers to encourage positive peer modeling.
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Step 6
Maintain continuity of learning by communicating with parents about effective study strategies. Parents must set up a study area free of distractions and parents should review backpack contents as well as homework assignments every night.
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Step 7
Bolster the student's confidence by starting out each assignment with a few easier tasks you know he can master. This cues the student that he can start the assignment without assistance, so he's more likely to continue the task unassisted.
Comments
judih said
on 9/14/2009 A good article and a reminder that these tried and true techniques make all the difference.