POSTED AT 09:44 PM
In the recent issue of ASCD's magazine, Education Today, an article referred to a technique that sounded very intriguing and has been found to be effective when dealing with a challenging student. It was called the Two-Ten technique. The idea is to have 2 minutes of positive interaction with the difficult student , each day for 10 days. The interaction should be personal and genuine - taking an interest in things that interest the student, asking questions to get to know the student, etc. The use of this technique has been found very effective in helping the student develop a positive attitude toward the teacher and thus to the class and his role in the class. I can verify that this kind of interaction does have a powerful and positive effect on students. I've often found former students of mine will remember a kindness or a thoughtful comment or inquiry long after they have forgotten other lessons we did in class. It's not that they didn't learn something in the class, but the human connection we made is what made the biggest impression. Try this Two-Ten technique with a student who seems to be giving you trouble. If it works for you it will be worth the time you take to do it.