Case
Small Group Issues

I work with a small group of students everyday. These students on their own are not too problematic, but together can be very challenging. Due to my obligations and feelings of my CT, I must keep the group as it is. They are constantly off-task during my instruction, making rude comments to each other, etc. I have tried both offering rewards for good behavior and the appropriate punishments for not behaving (I've done both a phone call home and given a few lunch detentions) What would you suggest to help correct their behavior?

Posted on: 02/22/15 | Views: 1292
Solution #1
I would have them sit so they are not directly next to each other if possible. Also, perhaps the students feel that group time is a "break" from class time and feel like they can act out. Maybe you could start the group time by explaining to the students that their work is their first priority and it is important that they work hard to finish. Sometimes communicating with the students up front what is expected of them can prevent undesired behavior from occurring.

Excellent suggestion!

This suggestions seems like it would help, make sure the kids aren't sitting together and that they know they have work to do.

Yes great suggestion. Would be very beneficial in small group activities.

This is a great suggestion

Great suggestion!

Great suggestion.

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Solution #2
I would be sure not to show my frustration to them. I know that keeping your cool is easier said than done sometimes but is necessary so you do not amplify the situation. I would try talking to the students like they are adults and explaining your purpose for being there. You are trying to help them and not waste anyones time. I would also be sure that your CT has spoken with them so the students understand that you are to be taken seriously and treated with respect. Since you are not their regular teacher they may lack the respect they need.

Excellent suggestion!

This is a good suggestion, it is important to keep you cool in front of the students.

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Solution #3
I would have them sit so that they are not facing each other. Also, keep up with the punishing of bad behavior. Try to call and personally talk to the parents to let them know what is going on. The students may need to be talked to and have reinforcement of the rules in the home as well.
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Solution #4
I would have a serious heart to heart conference with each of them individually. The talk each time should be serious and encourage the students to be the leader of the group in maturity. I also believe follow up praise to good group behavior should be quick. Students love praise and many, like you said, respond better in a one on one setting. It is harder to deal with them collectively when they are showing these behaviors.
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Solution #5
I would set expectations at the beginning of each session. I would make sure that they are aware of the consequences for not following expectations. I would set some type of incentive up for them to do good over a period of time rather than just one time.
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Solution #6
Is there any possible movement in the group? If possible, I would try to change the group of students you are working with. Maybe it is the group of students in particular.

This suggestion doesn't seem to help because she said that the students couldn't be changed because of the request by her CT.

The group is final.

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Solution #7
I would explain to the students that you are there to help them and if they are not going to take advantage of your help then you can just sit there. If they don't cooperate then let them do the work by themselves without any help from the group or you.

First, I am wondering what grade level you are working with as this can influence the way that you handle this situation. One strategy that may be helpful is having the students teach each other. You simply facilitate. Giving the students the "teacher" role is very empowering. The other students are assured that they will get a turn and tend to listen so that the others listen when it is their turn. I have used this successfully with a kindergarten class.

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