Super Survey Day! aka Opportunity Cost
So while I was on the flight to Colorado from Texas I pondered a slightly questionable teaching situation that I would like some feedback from all of you on.
In one of my classes, I have three students that are CONSTANTLY misbehaving, don't do work, and don't seem to care about their grades. I've had a few cases of limited success in getting them to work. I've already given them seating charts, but everyday they test the limits by sitting together until I remind them that if they don't move I will send them to ISS (In-School Suspension). They have always moved, so it hasn't been a problem, but I have sent them to ISS before for other reasons. These are smart kids, capable of learning, and they are actually pretty good kids... when they aren't in class. What I'm wondering is...
Would it be a horrible motivational strategy to tell them that the best of the three (participation-wise) will get $20 a month if I never have to warn them about their behavior in class? If they manage to make it ONE month, it will be worth the $20 for me (or even $60 if I gave each kid a $20). I know that offering kids cash, straight up just for not messing around might not be the best message, but perhaps the fact that they get practice in being good tips the balance of the scales in the direction of it being a potentially good thing... This was merely a thought after talking to a fellow teacher about chronic behavior problems. Let me know if you have any ideas.
-----Author's Note-----
I know that I haven't blogged for the last two weeks. It'll be up, I swear. I just got backlogged and then sick. Whoops!
2 comments:
Hi, Mark!! I would not bribe with money--only would cause problems with everyone in your class and anyone who finds out. I would meet one-on-one with each --asking if he/she wants to pass. If they say yes you get to set the rules which start with behavior. I would kick them out for each misbehavior and don't give an inch to these three--they have lost that option. If they want to pass , after about a week of not being in class, they will behave according to the rules you both made. That is my advice--for some kids you cannot be nice guy.
Hello, Mark!
I don't like the money idea, either! I would speak to each one separately, then all three together and ask them for suggestions! Explain that all students are suffering from the disruptions. I would not threaten them at this time, but keep open to what they are saying individually and together. Maybe they don't realize how bad they are and how they appear to others. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Let us know what you decide and how this works out. Have you talked with the parents? You could invite them in individually and/or ask them to attend your class to observe. I would at least call the parents if the one-on-one and group is not fruitful. Good luck, love you, Mother
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