If I really believed a student’s behavior wasn’t a choice, my response would look completely different. Instead of displaying frustration, I’d slow down and ask myself what’s behind the behavior.....what’s the real need or trigger? It helps me stay calm and keep the relationship first. I was told long ago that a person's current mood is usually the result of prior interactions.
I remember confiding to a colleague when I was battling with a student who constantly pushed limits. They reminded me not to take it personally and to stay consistent with my beliefs and mindset. That helped me hold that “nothing’s going to change my mind” stance, and eventually the student could see I wasn’t giving up on them. Once that trust was there, things turned around.
I remember confiding to a colleague when I was battling with a student who constantly pushed limits. They reminded me not to take it personally and to stay consistent with my beliefs and mindset. That helped me hold that “nothing’s going to change my mind” stance, and eventually the student could see I wasn’t giving up on them. Once that trust was there, things turned around.