Okay, I won’t bury the lede.
When students are doing, stop talking.
Most teachers—yes, most—talk students through just about everything.
- Lining up to leave the room.
- Getting into groups.
- Starting work.
- Walking down the hall.
- Putting away materials.
- Playing a learning game.
You name it.
- “Stay behind the person in front of you.”
- “No running, move slowly.”
- “Name on your paper first.”
- “That’s it, no pushing, take turns.”
- “Remember, have fun but be safe.”
- “Keep moving and stop at my signal.”
And other such things usually repeated one after another, a steady stream of instructions, reminders, and exhortations.
None of it is good for students—because if they know that you’re going to guide them through every activity, transition, etc., then they’re not going to listen to you the first time.
Why should they?
So they tune you out, as you become louder and more verbose. For some teachers, this has been their way for years. It’s exhausting and so stressful.
So what’s the solution? The solution is to give clear instructions while students are sitting and listening. So, before the actual doing. Then give one signal to begin.
Now you’re done talking.
Their responsibility is to perform. Yours is to observe and ensure it’s done as taught. That’s it. You watch but don’t talk.
No reminders. No hints. No interruptions. Wait until they complete the task before praising. If they get it wrong, then it’s a sign you need to reteach.
The benefits of doing it this way are:
- Better listening.
- Improved maturity.
- Stronger independence.
- Happier class.
- Better behavior.
Furthermore, you stop the slide and scourge of learned helplessness. They’re helpless because the adults in their life have made them that way.
Teachers and parents have done everything for them. They’ve guided them, held their hand, and treated them like delicate flowers. They’ve taken away their agency and lowered their IQ.
Transitioning to instruction-then-action is easier at the start of the school year.
Midyear, however, it may take some time, especially if you’re new to teaching this way. At first, your students will be rattled or even frozen in place. Some will even have trouble putting one foot in front of the other.
Stick it out and the results will be staggering.
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