Case
Unmotivated Student

I have a student who refuses to take any type of assessment seriously, not to mention his lack of effort in the classroom daily. I have called home several times, he has seen the counselor, he has a BIP, but he still will not take a test seriously. He bubbles in answers or circles them and then lays his head down. No amount of prodding, bribing, encouragement has helped yet. What haven't I tried that might help? How do I motivate him?

Posted on: 10/19/15 | Views: 1392
Solution #1
Top Solution
Without knowing the age of the student or the grade level you teach, it would be difficult to distinguish why he is behaving this way. If you have the resources and time, it may be better to ask him a few questions verbally, marking or noting his responses. Perhaps he could take the assessment little by little. For example, if there are 50 questions, allow him to answer 10 a day for 5 days. Don't use the word assessment. Talk to many of his previous teachers and find things that they have tried that seemed to have worked. Find something he enjoys. For example, if he enjoys being on the computer, allow him to take the assessment on the computer. Or, once the assessment is completed, allow him to have free time on the computer.

This is a very good and detailed article.

I like this solution a lot because it not only lets the student have more options, but it also can help progress that student into one day being able to sit through an assessment because of the positive help he had when he was young.

I think it's a good idea to ask the student about what's going on and provide them with other options for testing.

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Solution #2
My suggestion would be to try and find a different form of assessment that might bring out this student's best. Even if we do not realize it a lot of students have anxiety when it comes to typical test taking situations. Doing essays, projects, or interviews might work better for this student.

I like that you included different assessment, because that may help the student complete assessments.

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Solution #3
Hi, I probably have more questions than solutions, but here are some things to think about: I am curious if the student is unresponsive to regular classroom activities and instruction. Does this occur only in testing situations, and if so, does the student appear anxious to tests? Has a FBA been completed, does the BIP need revising, and has a motivation inventory been completed on him? If any of these things have not been completed, I would start there. Is there an alternative way to assess the student? Have the student orally give answers, complete a performance assessment, or use existing work to make him successful on assessments to build his confidence.

I recognize that you stated that the student is unresponsive to the bubbling in of answers. I wonder have you attempted to assess this student in a different manner. I find that varying the assessment where the student may feel more comfortable and empowered with answering. I tend to have to work harder in cases such as these to explore what the student enjoys and use that to relate and connect to my skill I am teaching and assessing. This will hopefully engage the student and allow you to assess them using strategies that connect to the student's individual learning style and desire. However, this is not how the real world works. I would definitely wean the student off of this method as time continues.

This is a very good and detailed article.

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Solution #4
To help this student take assessments more seriously, I would try giving him the assessment orally. Have him simply talk to you about the answers. Having class incentives may help, too. For example, everyone who scores a B or above can have five extra minutes of Friday Free time. If he sees his peers reaping the benefits of their hard work it may motivate him.
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Solution #5
It is important to get to the root of the problem. If you can find out what the problem is then you can work towards fixing it. See if he is motivated by using different forms of testing like on the computer or orally.
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Solution #6
You may want to make more connections to this students personal desires and then assess the student and relate the assessments with the information that is relative to the student. I find that motivation is already there we just have to find it and set it a flame.

This is a very good and detailed article.

I like that you said maybe getting to know the student's PERSONAL desires. Building relationship is important.

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Solution #7
Maybe have the student answer some verbal questions that deals with their interests to see what they like. Have them meet with the guidance counselor so that they can talk about why they don't like tests.
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Solution #8
Without knowing what age and grade the student is in you may want to try reading the assessments to him and allow him to verbally answer the questions.
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Solution #9
Hi, I think you could try to assess him in a different format to see which one fits him the best. I think that he may feel more interested if there was some short answer questions or if part of the test could be answered orally. I was going to suggest a BIP at first but I see your have tried it already. Good luck!
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Solution #10
Try connecting with the student, have them stay after class one day and have a genuine conversation with them. Ask about their life back home, what they like to do in their free time, and if anything is bothering them. From this information, you can tell whether or not they are healthy and/or need help.
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Solution #11
I'm not sure what grade level you are teaching but perhaps it would be beneficial to have the student take the test sitting at the desk with you. If the student has a 504 or IEP you can read the questions or have them read the questions aloud. This will prevent the student from rushing through the test and you can monitor where the student is having an issue with comprehension.
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Solution #12
Maybe have him do tasks that he enjoys, but still meets the learning standard. I think If he enjoys things, he will be happy. Also, maybe have someone work with him, as long as it won't affect their grade. Keep him motivated all day with another instructor.
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Solution #13
I think communication is very important between a teacher and a student, try having a meeting with them and ask them why they don't care. Show them you care about them and their success, don't be aggressive but be understanding. There can be an underlying reason for this. You don't have to be their friend but try encouraging them over small victories.
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Solution #14
Try doing assessments orally this will allow the student to be engage with you rather than being on his own. It prevents distractions of any source.
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Solution #15
I would create a classroom rewards program to get students interested in the immediate awards that follow success in following directions and achieving good grades from completing homework and assignments properly.
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Solution #16
I think trying to get to know your student may be helpful. Try finding out his interests and what gets him excited to talk about. I think that will help you better understand your student and help you as the teacher to tailor his instruction materials and topics to draw him into the learning topics. Getting him to buy into the learning process is key and the first step toward building a relationship with your student.
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Solution #17
It seems he thinks this type of work is boring, because he has a BIP I would see if he can get some sort of accommodation to take a verbal test allowing him to say what he is thinking. Have you tried giving him tests on the computer?
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Solution #18
If you have exhausted ever possible way of correcting this, then there's not much to do but to ignore him. I've learned that some students are desperate for attention, even if it is negative attention, they thrive on it. By ignoring him, he may see that his ploys for attention no longer work, and he may make a turn around for your attention.
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Solution #19
You have said that no amount of prodding or bribing is working well i think it comes down getting held back or not. While i understand holding a studnet back should not be done lightly but that may be one of the only optinon with what it sounds like.Ask the administartion to make sure this can be done. Tell him and his parents that if he doesnt find some kind of motivation for assesments he might be held back or removed from class that his are in.
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