Students Who Refuse to Work

By Jensa Anderson in Behavioralism

Posted On January 23, 2012 6:00 AM

When students refuse to attempt a written assignment, successful teachers usually begin by offering several forms of assistance, continue by offering various forms of reinforcement and, if necessary, end up reviewing expectations and consequences. If the student refuses to accept any consequences, consider using some of the strategies from the following range of suggestions.

Offer to help the student:

- Sit with the student, show a caring attitude, and do a few problems together.

- Remind the student of a previous similar assignment that he or she completed successfully.

- Ask if the student understands the assignment.

- Suggest that the student skip the first problem and pick another for getting started.

- In the case of a possible learning disability, modify the assignment.

Offer encouragement and positive reinforcement for efforts made

- Express verbal approval for any sign of beginning the assignment even if the student just picks up the pencil.

- Communicate high expectations of work effort. Say something like, "At least try first and if you need help, I'll be there."

- Give the student several choices, letting him or her know that there will be consequences for not participating in the activity. For example, "You can work now during class time or work during lunch time or after school or in the office. It's your choice."

When students refuse to work, giving them positive reinforcement and ample opportunities to succeed will be your best tools as a substitute teacher. What other strategies have you used? What has been most successful? Leave your comments below.

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I substitute mainly for one middle school. The teachers all know I will sub for any class subject(even though I may not know how to do the work) and I am very grateful that they have detailed plans. In most every situation I have had plenty of work that would take the entire class. At times the students will ask if the work will be graded(a good indication of their dedication to their work). My answer is, "I'm sure the work you do will be a good measure of your participation today. It's your choice whether you do the work or not. It's your grade." Most of the time there is a silent pause, then they continue with the work. There are always those who think it's time to play when there is a sub. But at the middle school level they must know they have a responsibility to do their work, no matter who is leading the class.

# Posted By Belinda | 1/26/12 8:59 AM

I personally been there. I been working as a Spanish teacher, as a Sub and also as a student aid and mentor. One of the things I tell a student who refused to work is to provide choices. I also weerve as a mentor, at leas they have ears and can listen what you have to day to them.
Most of students are rebelious due to many unknown reasons, usually related with home or peers.
I take a chance to talk about how the problem could be resolved if they change their attitude. As a teacher I model my motivation and positive attitude; then I try to convince them to go for the positive choice and not the poor choice. Most of the time I obtain great results, because those kids they need someone to talk to. They need counseling and direction in their lives.

# Posted By Griselle C Radkey | 1/26/12 10:28 PM

The worst classroom-behavior: Many students are talking and nobody is listening, and the students are talking louder and louder until somebody get sent to the principal. How do I break into this cycle.

We have TV talking at us constantly, and many adults are constantly talking on the telephone. It is time to actively promote face-to-face conversations ( listen, listen, listen... respond)

# Posted By Gita Jones | 2/1/12 9:28 AM

These are awesome strategies! Getting students back on task as a sub requires a completely different set of strategies than getting students back on task as a teacher. The students are often in the mindset of "our teacher is gone; so I don't have to work."

Remember that the students who refuse to work probably refuse to work when the regular teacher is there occasionally too. He/she won't be surprised. ALWAYS OFFER CHOICES. After I have exhausted all positive redirections, I do this: I bring a sheet of paper with the student's name written at the top to their desk (letting them know I know who they are --- hopefully the teacher left you a seating chart with pictures.) Tell them, "You have two choices: Begin your work and work quietly for the rest of the period, or you may write a letter to your teacher explaining why you chose not to work."

This is better than leaving a list of those who refuse to work; it ensures that everyone in the class produces work product of some sort to leave behind for the teacher.

After that -- Don't stress out! You have done all you can. Your top priorities are to ensure the safety of the students while the teacher is out and to carry out whatever lesson plans she/he leaves you. You can't be a super hero every day.

# Posted By Lori | 2/4/12 9:22 AM

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