Unresponsive students exist in all classrooms.  They even exist in the home environment. Therefore, this type of child provides a challenge to every teacher and parent.  Some unresponsive students keep their head down on the desk to ignore a task. In addition, the unresponsive student does not turn in assignments.  Even with the best  behavioral management skills as a teacher or parent, the child is not easy to engage.  However, efforts must continue to engage these students.

Unresponsive Help

Unresponsive students come in many forms. Such students continuously chatter, sit stubbornly at their desk, debate every request, and sulk. Basically, they do not respond to authority. Hence, there are some strategies to deal with the unresponsive student.

•   To begin with, talk to the student.  Simply ask a question or remind them to begin the task. However, this does not always produce results.

•   Ask the student when the feel they are able to accomplish the task. And, let them set a goal.

•   Provide a quiet space for the student to work. A busy classroom or active household is a distraction.

•   Make sure the task is age appropriate.  Differentiation is an option to classroom assignments.

•   In a last effort, work on building a relationship. Let them know they are an important part of classroom discussions and assignments.

However, some students simply love to resist.  They especially show resentment if the adult’s authority is in question.  And, some simply want to challenge the authority. The unresponsive student challenges authority of a young or old person, a female, or someone of a different race.

As an authority figure, do not be defensive.  Furthermore, do not be rude toward the student’s behavior. But, respond immediately. It’s important to let the student know the behavior is unacceptable. The bad behavior must not be ignored. It must be known that unresponsiveness is not an acceptable way to act.

Regardless of the type of uncooperative behavior, don’t quit trying. Defensiveness means there is a deep problem that must be further addressed.