Case
Incomplete Work

I have a student who never turns in a completed assignment. He will answer a few questions on the classwork or assessment and then turn it in. He doesn't care what grades he makes or any punishment he may receive. I have contacted his mom, administrators and behavior specialist. The only way he completes any assignment is with an adult literally next to him telling him to go on to the next question. When I am able to do this, things are fine; however, I have 27 students in my class and cannot afford to spend that much individual time on a student. He is smart and I believe that this is all choice, not ability.

What do I do?

Posted on: 10/18/15 | Views: 1419
Solution #1
Top Solution
Hello aNajem, It sounds as if your student is crying out for attention. I would suggest that you have a conference with the student. Talk to him honestly, and allow him the opportunity to explain why he is not completing the assignment on his own. If he does the work, only when he is receiving attention, then he is lacking attention in other areas of his life as well. Another suggestion I would give is use him as a peer-tutor. Let him know that because he is capable of doing the work and understands the material, that he will be used as a tutor to be partnered with and assist classmates that may be struggling. Of course explain and establish procedures for peer tutoring first, that include completing his work prior to assisting others. This will give him the incentive to complete his own work, a sense of purpose in class, and allow him to both receive and give attention to his peers, since the teacher is not always available.

Are there any other behaviors that this student is exhibiting in class? Does he act out or disrupt the class when others are working? IT seems that there is a lack of motivation as well. I would recommend some form of incentive program for this students. I know that many feel that a students should not be rewarded for doing what they are supposed to do, but sometimes exceptions need to be made. Does he like visiting with other teachers. This may be an incentive for this student.

Great idea

Thanks for sharing, this is a good idea.

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Solution #2
I would have a meeting with his parents, administration, and behavior specialist and request that we implement a reward system for work turned in as well as comprehension checks during class. The student is not working to his capabilities and everyone should be fighting for him to show his abilities. Reward systems work.

A good suggestion.

I appreciate the solution. I would use this in my classroom.

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Solution #3
Does the student have any disability? Things going on at home? At school? Does the student have an IEP or 504? All these questions need to be asked when having a student like this. If he does not have an IEP, I suggest he gets one so that he is able to complete his work. It seems like he is a smart kid.

Thanks for sharing, this is a good idea. I think it could be a helpful solution.

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Solution #4
It sounds like this students wants/needs constant attention. I would help this student one on one as much as possible. Also, he may lack confidence so anyway you can praise him with positivity would help.
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Solution #5
What I believe is the best option is accruing data for this student and presenting it before the RTI Team if you have one. The student must be able to complete assignments in order to pass class. Thus, taking the student through the RTI program is a way to more critically watch his behaviors and assess his progress. His growth warrants a reward.
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Solution #6
I would request an aid to be placed in the classroom, or that he be taken out during the class to work one-on-one with a reading specialist or other associate.
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Solution #7
Maybe there is something else going on. He might not be understanding something and is embarrassed to say something or he is having a problem somewhere in his life and wants someone to talk to. Have you thought about any ESE type issues? He may need to be observed or tested.

Something to consider.

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Solution #8
I would try to hold a conference with his parents first. And then if it continues, hold another one with administrators. And if the problem still persists, hold a conference with the student, the parents, and administrators. That way the child knows it is a serious matter that needs to stop.
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Solution #9
Try speaking to an administrator about getting the student a paraprofessional if possible. The student seems to get distracted easily and if the student has a teacher assistant or paraprofessional maybe he will have a better time in class.

I could see this potentially working, I would keep this in mind.

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Solution #10
talk!
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Solution #11
Reward system for turning in his homework completed.
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Solution #12
Definitely meet with the student! You might also want to implement a rewards system of sorts. Group work can push some students to participate if they have peer involvement. I really like assigning students individual roles; it might make him feel important and likely to participate. Overall, keep parents involved and ask them to monitor him during assignments. Also, open yourself up to strategies they use if they are helpful.
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Solution #13
If you think he is smart, then that have to be something going on. Maybe offer up different types of rewards and see what he responds to. Then you might be able to get somewhere.
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Solution #14
I would maybe make it a point to only accept work that has been fully completed. It definitely sounds like he is making a choice not to do the work when he is perfectly capable. If that does not spark any motivation, then maybe a reward of some sorts might do the trick.
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Solution #15
Try a reward system, for when he turns in work.
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Solution #16
I would bypass the parents and administrators and simply talk to the student. I would ask him what is going on? Why he doesn't like to complete assignments? What can you do together to make it so where he does? I think giving the student a certain amount of control over their learning and asking them their opinion and how they feel will go a long way in making the student more willing to work with you.
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Solution #17
Is this student on an IEP? Maybe instead of punishing for not finishing, reward him for finishing. Also, you could shorten the assignment length.

This is a great idea. If he does not have an IEP, it seems like he may need one. Try different methods of the assignment as well. He may be more inclined to tell you about it than to write it.

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Solution #18
It sounds like the assignments (and/or course) are not challenging him and/or are not relevant to him. Not all students need to complete all of all assignments to be successful. Depending on what you are trying to teach, maybe you should try altering the assignments.
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