Case
Always Off Task

I have one student in my class that is always off task. We give him options and incentives in hopes it will brings his attention back to the task or assignment but he always seems to get back off task. When he is off task he will distract other students and can make it difficult to regain full control of the class unless he is removed. Any other ideas for how to keep him on task for longer periods of time?

Posted on: 02/19/19 | Views: 617
Solution #1
Have you considered teaching him using his learning style? He may be off task because the lessons aren't hands on enough or provides to much reading when he doesn't learn best that way. I would begin by changing my teaching style and see if anything works better for him.

I would provide a hand signal for the teacher and the student. When the student sees the signal, they know to stop the behavior and get back on task. This is a great way to gain control of the class without stopping instruction. This provides a good visual cue for the student.

I'm sorry to disagree. I don't believe learning styles are the single reason a child will or will not be able to focus. It is only one tool in the tool box.

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Solution #2
Students who get off task are always difficult to work with as the cause could be multiple different things. This could be a reaction to being bored or under stimulated. Or the student could have ADHD. Or he just could be a normal kid! I would give him specific instructions to follow (like maybe a personal checklist)so that he is never unsure of what to do. Then, he can check the things off that he has completed and move to the next thing without need of direction. You could also have him do a certain job during the lesson to keep him more engaged such as passing out certain materials or turning on/off the lights if watching a video. This will give him a sense of responsibility in the classroom that might give learning more purpose.
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Solution #3
There is always the possibility that this student is bored or that he needs more structure. You could try breaking down things you want him to do into smaller tasks. After they have completed so many tasks, give the student a break from working, but explaining that he needs to remain in a certain area of the room not disturbing the other students. After a couple minutes of break, the student should come back to work and continuing their tasks for the day.

I agree with this solution and it is one good idea for the situation.

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Solution #4
I would try talking to the parent to see if they are having the same issue at home with the student when they are doing their home work. They might have ADHD and need different strategies for them.

I think talking to the parent is a great idea! Sometimes you need to see the whole picture before implementing certain strategies.

ADHD, if that is the case, should be diagnosed quickly. If I saw and documented this patterned behavior, it might be time to intervene. That way the student can get all the help he or she may need.

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Solution #5
I have faced a similar situation and thing I've found that works best is one-on-one support. This isn't always possible, therefore creating more engaging activities might help! Find out the student's interests and try to incorporate that into the lesson to keep him engaged!
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Solution #6
Try a different way of teaching or reaching the student. All students learn differently and have different interests. Maybe this student is more of a visual learner and needs something more hands on to remain interested in learning and participating in the task.
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Solution #7
This is definitely a difficult situation but I would try getting the parents involved to see if they have any tips or tricks that may work for him to focus more in class. I might also converse with him one on one to get his opinion and gain more of an insight as to what is going on with the child.
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Solution #8
I would have papers that can be placed on the students desk that can get him back on task. If hes distracting students isolate him from the rest of the class.
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Solution #9
I too am interested to hear what others suggest for this specific student, as I am dealing with a similar student in my internship right now. Throughout my time I have been taught, to find the student's currency. However, with this specific student, even when we do find his currency, it does not seem to alter the behavior for very long - something that you too seem to be struggling with. At this point my CT is beginning the process to monitor his behavior, and begin the paperwork to get him tested, as we think that may be part of some of his behavior issues in class. This may be the same thing for your student, and something that needs to occur, to determine what really will work for this student in the long run.
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