Estimated time required to complete module: 20 h
Classroom behaviours 4
WHAT TO DO?
- Never get into a Yes, you will. No, I won’t contest with this learner. Silence is a better response.
- Whatever you do, don't lose your dignity. Never ever raise your voice or argue.
- Use the Third-Person technique. Rather, say What's the matter? or What's making you so upset? Place yourself in the position of a person who can help. This way you maintain your dignity and your professional position. You emphatically convey to all learners that the defier is the problem, not you. If you don't use this approach, especially in front of other learners, you may feel forced into saying or doing something that will only aggravate the situation.
- If a learner says I won't do it again, again become a third-party participant by saying in a questioning (or even bewildered) way, That's not like you. This reaction may not reflect your feelings, but it will produce the best results. Follow with What happened to make you so upset?
- If the learner replies, Get off my back, don't lose your composure. Rather, continue using the third-person stance so the problem has a chance of a solution rather than a guarantee of an unfortunate scene.
- If your situation with the defier has already deteriorated to the point that you cannot use this approach in front of other learners, then do it privately. Sometimes, the only way to quieten the learner is to say, Let's not talk about this here. Let's talk later when you can tell me everything that's on your mind.
- See the learner after school, between classes, or at break. Speak in private outside the classroom setting. A quiet, private, neutral place is best.
- Be caring, but honest. Tell the learner exactly what it is that is causing problems as far as you are concerned. Insist upon one rule: you are both respectful of each other.
- Avoid power struggles with this learner. Always listen. Do not interrupt until the learner has finished.
- Make the learner a part of any behaviour plan. If you don't, you'll become the enemy. Be very specific about what behaviour is unacceptable.
- Above all, reach an agreement with the learner on how you will treat each other.