Student Contributor: E. Holmes
When misbehaving occurs, explaining to a student the difference between inappropriate and appropriate behavior will help a student rethink their actions. Offering different solutions to the issue will offer an alternative look on how the student could have behaved differently. By using this tool, student can then change how they behave in future situations.
Deciphering between what is inappropriate behavior and appropriate behavior with a student will show them right and wrong solutions to different situations. Offering more appropriate solutions will enhance their problem-solving skills. Make sure to allow student time to explain themselves so that you have more of an understanding of the situation. Then if the action was inappropriate, offer an alternative solution and explain why this would be a better choice and why their choice wasn’t the best decision. This tool she be used to correct a student’s behavior, rather than lecturing to a student. This tool’s purpose is to build their problem-solving skills rather than telling them they made a wrong choice and should have behaved differently. Instead, try understanding the situation and offer a different solution that would have had a better outcome for the student.
This tool should only be used in the corrective phase due to trying to change a student’s behavior. Once the student has made a decision that shows inappropriate behavior, only then should the teacher offer an alternative solution demonstrating appropriate behavior. This is why the Corrective phase fits best with this tool. As for Theories of Influence, this tool belongs in the Student-directed or Collaborative theories. It belongs in these two categories due to taking the time to show students alternate ways of behaving rather than just providing a consequence. Both of these theories are willing to spend time on understanding the situation and trying to fix it in a way that works for both the student and the teacher.
More Information –
Tool Source: This idea came from the Association for Middle Level Educators (AMILE). https://www.amle.org
