This is always a tough task to take on. Often times I find that when students don’t want to participate, nothing will get in their way of slacking off or ignoring their work. Its almost like they have their mind made up about not doing their work. It definitely helps when the activity has components that interest the student such as a topic, hobby, etc. When you give them activities that interest them, and they seem like “busy work” activities, I understand how that can feel frustrating to you. Try developing lessons and activities that include their interests but also focus on the content you’re introducing to all the other students. Find relevant media that may engage students. Or, you could try something as simple as verbal praise? “Wow, Johnny is doing an AMAZING job working his way through this activity!” Maybe the verbal praise will give the student the “attention” its seems like they’re craving while also getting them involved in the work.

I would recommend separating the students and putting them in two different teams. This may be able to help minimize distractions and help increase their participation. I would also recommend that you get to know your student's interests and help tie their interests together with the lessons you are teaching.

I would say to place each of them in separate groups so that they can be away from one another and also be able to have help from other group members. They may be able to focus better away from each other.

Give them kinesthetic teaching opportunities or see if you can provide them with enrichment opportunities. The content may not be challenging enough.

I agree with others who suggest separating them, however sometimes even that helps. I would pull them aside before class and tell them explicitly that if they start that behavior up without participating then there will be a consequence.

I learned in a previous class that before group work or team participation can occur the teacher needs to explain what team work is. This way the students know what it means to be in a group/team and what is expected of them. It sounds silly but some students may have never worked in groups before. This needs to be taken into consideration that maybe they do not know how to work with others. I would start by explaining what team work is, why it is important, what the benefits are, and why we all must participate. I would mention that the group relies on all its members to get a good grade. Therefore, everyone must participate. I would follow up by saying if a member is not showing and using good team work skills then they will have to complete the work by themselves.

At the end of the project I would have the group fill out a participating reflection about themselves and the group to keep all the students accountable.

The teacher might want to try and give the students a chance to correct their first. One strategy is to discuss with both students what their roles are in the project and be sure students have full clarity on their responsibility and the task at hand. If students are confused about what they should be doing this can cause their unfocused behavior. After the teacher is sure there is no mistake in communication there could be a warning and an explanation of the consequences. If these strategies do not work they should be separated in to different groups. If they still refuse to participate let the student know the parent/guardian will be notified of their behavior.

Try separating them and putting them into different groups. It might help with the distraction of being together.

Split up group work into "roles" that each student is assigned. Make sure these students know what their role in the group is. Also let them know that group work will be graded individually.

To make the students less distracted, make them work alone and on other sides of the class.